ANN ARBOR, Mich. – What rust?
Forced to quarantine and isolate the last two weeks as the program dealt with a coronavirus outbreak, short-handed No.13 Wisconsin throttled Michigan, 49-11, in cavernous Michigan Stadium that was a statement of sorts for the Badgers and an indictment on just how bad the Wolverines have become.
It was Wisconsin's biggest victory over Michigan in the history of the series, which dates back to 1892.
From the press box, here are my five takeaways from Saturday’s victory.
1. Game was Over After One Quarter
In 47 defensive snaps in the season opener, Wisconsin forced two turnovers against Illinois. They equaled that mark in four plays Saturday. Thanks to safety Scott Nelson’s interception and a tailor-made one to linebacker Leo Chenal, the Badgers scored a quick 14 points off turnovers to put the Wolverines on their heels.
Following an uninspired three-and-out by the Wolverines, the Badgers marched 60 yards in nine plays, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown to on the first play of the second quarter and the game was pretty much over.
The final stat line told the story. Wisconsin held the ball for 11 minutes, 33 seconds of the opening quarter, gaining 129 yards on 22 plays and seven first downs. Michigan ran seven plays in the first quarter and gained only a measly rushing yard.
By the time the Wolverines got their act together in the third quarter, sparked in part by a quarterback change, the Badgers had built too big of a cushion thanks to their opening 15 minutes.
2. Mertz Plays Steady
