Following months of uncertainty and the loss of their starting quarterback, the No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0 overall, 1-0 B1G) started the 2020 season with a new face under center, Graham Mertz. However, it wasn’t the type of start you would expect to see from a redshirt freshman, as Mertz led Wisconsin to a 45-7 victory over Illinois (0-1 overall, 0-1 B1G), avenging its loss from 2019.
Mertz finished the game 20-of-21 passing, with 248 yards and five touchdowns.
His first incompletion came in the second half on his 18th attempt of the game, giving him 17 consecutive completions to start the game, which tied a program record, previously held by Tanner McEvoy (2014, Western Michigan).