The Badgers expected to win.
It was the 606 total yards, the repeat performance by a trio of running backs, the 24 completed passes, shutout defense and the 48-0 final score that left Wisconsin on cloud nine after Saturday’s game at Camp Randall.
It started with Tennessee Tech’s first play from scrimmage: A run by junior running back Stephen Bush turned sour after Wisconsin redshirt sophomore Darius Hillary knocked the ball loose.
It took TTU four possessions to get a first down, but by that time UW was up 14-0 and wasn’t looking back.
“A lot of people say ‘Your competition this, your competition that,’” senior safety Dezmen Southward said. “Well, if you look across the nation, there are a ton of teams, big-time teams playing FCS teams and they’re not pitching shutouts. It’s really tough to do especially most of the time, halfway through the game, you’re going to pull your starters.”
It’s the first time the Badgers have recorded back-to-back shutouts to open a season since 1958, leaving the time of possession for UW at a lopsided 37:35 to 22:25.
The Badgers’ first touchdown came on a three-yard pass to redshirt sophomore fullback Derek Straus, who started in the absence of fellow redshirt sophomore fullback Derek Watt, who sat out the game with a hamstring injury.
The Wisconsin offensive line, traditionally a powerhouse, showed its first sign of weakness this year when redshirt senior Zac Matthias was called for a false start penalty and subsequently missed a block. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Joel Stave was sacked on the play for a loss of seven yards.
A few minutes later redshirt senior wide receiver Jared Abbrederis caught his first pass of the day for a touchdown, giving UW a 14-0 lead after just one period.
Following a slow start last week, Stave made his presence felt from the onset, going a career-best 24-for-29 to eight receivers throughout the game. All three of his passing touchdowns came prior to halftime, including a 11 play, 94 yard drive with 1:37 left in the half.
Offensively, the highlight that comes to me … is the two minute drill,” head coach Gary Andersen said. “That was huge for us to be backed up, get out from being backed up, number one, and number two, then continue down the field and execute at a high level.”
On the first play of the second quarter a botched snap to Stave turned into a fumbled handoff that was ultimately recovered by Wisconsin. Two plays later Stave threw an interception into double coverage.
“Any young player, you're going to live with ups and downs,” Andersen said. “It's just magnified when you're at the quarterback position.”
It was the “up,” however, that came next.
Stave responded by going a perfect 13-for-13, including a ten-pass march down the field culminating in a touchdown reception for redshirt senior tight end Brian Wozniak, his first score as a Badger.
The second half was more of the same, including two touchdowns and 151 rushing yards for true freshman running back Corey Clement.
For the second consecutive game, Wisconsin had three backs rush for over 100 yards.
Special teams play, according to Andersen, has improved overall since last game, though the kicking game is not yet as crisp as he would like it.
Redshirt junior kicker Kyle French missed a PAT off the goalpost in the third quarter and was subsequently replaced by sophomore Jack Russell.
“Most of the PATs, it's just not that clean sound of the kick and everything that comes with it to me,” Andersen said. “So we're going to work at it.”
The Badgers face their first real test of the season next week against Arizona State on the road. Television coverage will be on ESPN at 9:30 p.m.
