Mendenhall Stellar as Illini Beat Badgers

27 photos by Cary Frye

Juice Williams hands off to Rashard Mendenhall.

The Illinois football juggernaut continues to roll, once against taking down a ranked opponent in rocking sun-drenched sold out Memorial Stadium. Saturday it was the #5 Wisconsin Badgers, who Illinois (5-1) topped 31-26 to give the program its first 3-0 start in Big Ten play since 1990, its first win against a top-5 team since 1989 (USC), and—along with its win against then-#21 PSU last week—the first time ever Illinois has beaten ranked opponents in consecutive weeks.

The Illini followed a familiar script against the Badgers: build up a decent lead in the 1st half with big plays on offense and hold off the opponent's 2nd half comeback bid with crucial turnovers by the defense. Rashard Mendenhall continued his tremendous season with 190 all-purpose yards and 3 touchdowns. Kevin Mitchell and Vontae Davis each came up with 4th quarter interceptions. When the dust settled and the clock ran out, the team continued the new post-game ritual of storming into the new North End Zone to celebrate with the students and band. On the jury front Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn went down in the 2nd half and did not return, but both are expected to play this week against Iowa. Game thread. Recap.

More game pictures after the jump!

Photos by Cary Frye courtesy of fryeimages.
Images may not be reproduced without written permission.


Kevin Mitchell upends Garrett Graham to force an incompletion.


Arrelious Benn had 51 yards on 5 receptions.


Rashard Mendenhall eyes Aubrey Pleasant en route to his 32 yard touchdown run.


Ron Zook


Juice Williams gained 92 yards on 14 carries, and was 12-19 for 121 yards passing plus a TD.


Rashard Mendenhall collides with Aubrey Pleasant.


Arrelious Benn


Mike Ware wraps up P.J. Hill.


Jerry Brown pressures Tyler Donovan.


Martez Wilson sacks Tyler Donovan.


Martez Wilson


Arrelious Benn had 43 return yards on 2 kickoff returns.


Juice Williams


Ron Zook


Rashard Mendenhall scores again.


Justin Harrison and J Leman stop the run.


P.J. Hill and the Illini defense battle at the goal line.


Arrelious Benn banged up his shoulder.


Kevin Mitchell


Rashard Mendenhall


Juice Williams tweaked his knee.


Eddie McGee replaced Juice and found the end zone.


Kevin Mitchell defends against Travis Beckum.


Rashard Mendenhall and Ron Zook embrace after the game.


Erin Andrews interviews Ron Zook.