Wisconsin defeats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated Western Illinois 36-9 in their home opener on Saturday night. Abu Sama III, an Iowa State transfer, led the rushing attack with a career-high 107 yards on eight carries, including a 72-yard touchdown on the game’s opening play.

Damon Dupree added a 28-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. Wisconsin’s special teams contributed significantly when safety Carson Van Dinter blocked a punt, recovered it, and scored to help push the lead to 17-0 in the first quarter. Kicker Gavin Lahm provided additional scoring with field goals of 30, 49, and a career-high 51 yards.

Quarterback Colton Joseph recorded his first touchdown for Wisconsin, a 53-yard pass to Chris Brooks Jr. Western Illinois was led by quarterback Kennedy McGill, who accounted for 139 passing yards and 88 rushing yards.