Wisconsin's debut of the 2020 season was also the starting debut for freshman quarterback Graham Mertz. Neither disappointed on Friday night.
Mertz, the highly-touted recruit out of Kansas, threw five touchdowns as the Badgers defeated Illinois 45-7.
Mertz completed 20 of 21 passes, setting a team record for completion percentage, in leading Wisconsin to victory.
Mertz also tied a team record for consecutive completions in one game (17) and set a team record for touchdown passes in his debut.
Three of his touchdowns went to tight end Jake Ferguson. Danny Davis and Mason Stokke caught the other two touchdowns.
Photo: Kelli Steffes / UW Athletics