Badgers bounce back from upset, demolish New Mexico State

Sep 17, 2022 | 6:26 PM

MADISON, Wis. — The Badgers got back on track Saturday with a dominant 66-7 win over New Mexico State at Camp Randall Stadium.

After failing to find the endzone last week, Badger running backs reintroduced themselves to the paydirt with six rushing touchdowns. Braelon Allen ran for 86 yards and three touchdowns while Chez Mellusi posted 71 yards and a touchdown. Issac Guerrendo ran for 74 yards, finding the endzone twice. The Badgers ran for a total of 260 yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry.

Quarterback Graham Mertz had a strong performance last week, despite the loss, and he continued that form Saturday with 12 completions for 251 yards and three touchdowns. That includes a 49-yard touchdown connection to Skyler Bell, one of two touchdown catches that Bell had on the day. Badger fans also got a glimpse at freshman Myles Burkett, who filled in for the injured Chase Wolf. Burkett completed four of his five passes for 84 yards.

In total, five Wisconsin players found the endzone Saturday as the Badgers recorded their most points since 2014 and the most points in a game in the Paul Chryst era.

Running back Star Thomas was the star man for the Aggies, grabbing 46 yards on nine carries, but it was Ahmonte Watkins who finally broke the deadlock in the fourth quarter. The Badger defense held NMSU to 242 yards and forced three interceptions.

The Badgers committed a host of penalties last week, something that saw only minor improvements Saturday as they committed four for 50 yards. NMS committed seven penalties for a total of 68 yards.

The win brings the Badgers’ record to 2-1 and wraps up non-conference play. Wisconsin’s road only gets harder from here, as the team travels to Columbus next week to take on Ohio State.