Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from week 1 victory over Illinois State
The No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) kicked off its season opener at Camp Randall on Saturday night with a 38-0 victory over the visiting Illinois State Redbirds.
Wisconsin’s new-look offense under Bobby Engram produced 440 total yards and scored 38 points with a balanced offensive attack.
Third-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz looked sharp against Illinois State, completing 14 of 16 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown with no turnovers.
Doak Walker hopeful Braelon Allen also carried the ball 14 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including one in the first half that went for 96 yards and gave the Badgers a 14-0 advantage that set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded players from Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State, according to Pro Football Focus.
OT Nolan Rucci (91.1) Elite
Nov 9, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; A Wisconsin Badgers helmet during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
TE Hayden Rucci (88.4) Elite
Credit: Wisconsin Athletics
WR Chimere Dike (82.6) High Quality
Sep 3, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
OT Jack Nelson (81.6) High Quality
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 30: Offensive linemen Tanor Bortolini #63, Jack Nelson #79 and Cormac Sampson #62 of the Wisconsin Badgers walk to the line of scrimmage during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Allegiant Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Badgers defeated the Sun Devils 20-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
QB Graham Mertz (81.4) High Quality
Sep 3, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) celebrates following a touchdown during the third quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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