QUICK RECAP: Wisconsin blows out Michigan in return to the field after two weeks off

Following a two week hiatus, the No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) defeated Michigan (1-3), 49-11.

Wisconsin followed suit, forcing a turnover on the oppositions opening drive, just as it did in the season opener. This time, Scott Nelson, who was seeing his first action since tearing his ACL in 2019, intercepted Michigan’s Joe Milton off an Eric Burrell pass break up.

Just as they did in the opener, the Badgers used the early turnover to catapult themselves to an early lead, following a 4-play, 33-yard scoring drive that ended with a 2-yard Nakia Watson touchdown run.

Wisconsin picked off Milton on his next pass attempt as well, this time Leo Chenal did the job. Milton did not see the second-year linebacker in the middle of the field. Chenal returned the interception 31 yards into the redzone, setting up a 4-play, 14-yard scoring drive, which was capped off by a Graham Mertz touchdown pass to fullback Mason Stokke.

Both Watson and Stokke would each add a second touchdown in the first half.

Following the takeaways, Wisconsin’s defense did not let up, limiting the offensive attack of Michigan. The Wolverines did not gain a first down until late in the second quarter, when Michigan had a 13-play, 74-yard drive which ended with Milton getting stopped on 4th & goal.

It wasn’t until Jim Harbaugh benched Milton, in favor of Cade McNamara, late in the third quarter that Michigan showed signs of life against the Wisconsin defense.

In McNamara’s opening drive, he went 3-for-3 for 74 yard and a touchdown and then converted a 2-point conversion.

Wisconsin held Michigan to 219 total yards in the game, 47 coming on the ground.

Wisconsin had a hard time getting the rushing attack going in the opener, had no problem running the ball against Michigan, rushing for 341 yards as a team led by Jalen Berger’s 85 rushing yards in his Wisconsin debut. Berger also scored his first career touchdown.

Five Badgers finished with at least 30 yards rushing, including wide receiver Danny Davis, who 65 yards on seven carries. Davis also added a rushing touchdown.