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Smart move: Defensive dominance helping Wisconsin set early tone

MADISON, Wis. -- When Illinois kicker Chase McLaughlin sailed a 31-yard field goal through the uprights Saturday at Wisconsin, it might not have seemed like a particularly noteworthy play. But given the infrequency with which the Badgers have allowed first-quarter points, the kick may as well have been considered a minor miracle.

McLaughlin joined a short list of players who had scored against Wisconsin in the opening quarter this season. The others: Michigan State kicker Michael Geiger (48-yard field goal) and Ohio State kicker Tyler Durbin (25-yard field goal).

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