Illinois used a powerful running game and a strong defense to hand the Badgers their second straight loss Saturday 34-10.
The Illini looked a lot like previous successful Wisconsin football teams.
That may be because they are coached by former Badgers head coach Bret Bielema.
Wisconsin was held to a total of two yards rushing while falling to a record of 2-and-3.
The visitors to Camp Randall Stadium scored half of their points – 17 – off UW turnovers.
Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz was sacked six times while the Illini owned the line of scrimmage.
The day after the disappointing loss head coach Paul Chryst was fired.
Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced the decision Sunday after Wisconsin had suffered two lopsided losses in Big Ten Conference games against Ohio State and Illinois.
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will take over the program on an interim basis.
McIntosh expressed great respect for Chryst while making the announcement but said he felt a change in leadership was “needed right now.”
