Wisconsin is hitting its stride while Rutgers is heading in the opposite direction.
Tawee Walker rushed for a career-high 198 yards and scored three touchdowns, leading Wisconsin to a commanding 42-7 victory over Rutgers on Saturday. This win marked the Badgers’ second consecutive dominant performance.
“The team is getting better,” said Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell, whose team previously defeated Purdue 52-6. “It’s exciting to see the growth in front of your own eyes. I’m happy and proud as anything.”
Braedyn Locke passed for 240 yards and one touchdown and added a rushing touchdown late in the game. The Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) maintained their perfect record against Rutgers (4-2, 1-2) in six meetings, handing the Scarlet Knights their second straight defeat.
“I think we’re playing high-level complementary football,” Locke said, completing 20 of 28 passes despite wind gusts up to 22 mph. “But we’re not satisfied. We’re not close to our final goal.”
Walker, who previously had a career best of 146 yards against Kansas last season while at Oklahoma, scored on runs of 2, 9, and 55 yards. The last run was the longest of his career and the team’s longest this season.
He has eight touchdowns in the last three games. Darrion Dupree also added a 2-yard touchdown run as the Badgers outgained Rutgers 549-271.
“I’m so blessed to be behind this line, and this O-line coach (AJ Blazek),” Walker said. “It’s much easier when everyone plays hard all the time.”
Kyle Monangai, who was stopped on a crucial fourth-down carry at the Wisconsin 10-yard line late in the second quarter, scored a 13-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, preventing the Badgers from getting their first shutout since their season opener in 2022.
For the second week in a row, Wisconsin jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Locke connected with Will Pauling on a 16-yard pass to finish an 89-yard drive, and Walker scored on a fourth-down 2-yard run for the other touchdown.
