Alex Erickson
When Western Illinois loaded the box to try to stop the Wisconsin Badgers running game, the passing game had the perfect opportunity to show they could do better than the 50-yard performance the week before in a loss to LSU.
Tanner McEvoy and his receivers answered the bell.
Western Illinois held Melvin Gordon to 38 yards on 17 carries, but McEvoy completed 23 of 28 for 283 yards and three touchdowns to lead Wisconsin to a 37-3 win over the Leathernecks. Those numbers could have been better had Reggie Love held onto a deep pass that should have resulted in a 67-yard touchdown.
McEvoy’s top target was redshirt sophomore wide receiver Alex Erickson, who caught 10 passes for 122 yards.
Senior tight end Sam Arneson added four catches for 87 yards.
Western Illinois did move the ball early against the Badgers, but committed two turnovers. They finished with 162 yards in all.
The Badgers improved to 1-1 with the victory and get a bye week off. They’ll face Bowling Green next, on September 20th at Camp Randall Stadium.
AUDIO: Alex Erickson on UW’s success in the passing game :12
AUDIO: Gary Andersen on Tanner McEvoy’s performance :19