Wisconsin came out firing on the first drive against Illinois in Week 5. The Badgers were highly efficient on the drive, including an early gun-slinging drive for quarterback Graham Mertz.

Instead of leaning on the run game, Wisconsin was balanced with Mertz going 4-for-4 through the air for 54 yards on the opening drive of the game. That drive ended with a dagger from Mertz on a beautiful throw to Isaac Guerendo.

On a 3rd-and-8 play, Mertz delivered a beautiful strike where only Guerendo could snag it. The running back made the catch with a beautiful diving attempt for a perfect game-opening touchdown.

We’ll see if Wisconsin can keep its foot on the gas pedal. So far, the Badgers are looking good against Bret Bielema’s Illinois squad.