Debut delight for Leonhard, Badgers win first game after firing Chryst

EVANSTON, Ill. — One week after parting ways with Paul Chryst, the Badgers parted ways with their losing streak.

Wisconsin scored a dominant victory over Northwestern, 42-7, in front of the Wildcat faithful at Ryan Field. It was a confidence-boosting debut for interim head coach Jim Leonhard.

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Leonhard took the reigns last Sunday, following the firing of Paul Chryst. Chryst was let go after back-to-back blowout losses to Ohio State and Illinois. On Saturday, the blowout went Wisconsin’s way.

Quarterback Graham Mertz led the way, completing 20 passes for 299 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions or sacks. Mertz wasn’t the only Badger who completed a touchdown pass. Nearing the end of the first half, running back Braelon Allen took a direct snap and tossed a ball to Chez Mellusi, who ran 23 yards to the endzone.

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Allen and Mellusi combined for 166 rushing yards as well, though neither found the endzone through the run game. Wisconsin ended the day with 193 rushing yards.

Wide receiver Chimere Dike had a career day, with 10 catches for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns. Skyler Bell and Markus Allen also tallied receiving touchdowns.

The Badger defense held Northwestern to just 79 rushing yards and forced three turnovers, a fumble and two interceptions. Northwestern’s single touchdown capped off a late-game drive with a short pass from Brendan Sullivan. The Badgers also forced a sack and four tackles for loss.

The Badgers struggled once again with penalties, committing 6 and giving up 55 yards. Northwestern, by contrast, committed only 2 for 20 yards.

The road trip continues for Wisconsin next week when they travel to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. Wisconsin won the last meeting, 38-0, in Madison in 2019. The last time the two squared off in Michigan was in 2016, and the Badgers won, 30-6.

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