Wisconsin Badgers defeat Northern Illinois Huskies, 28-20

Madison — If Mike Taylor's debut is any indication, the UW freshman is going to be an impact player this season.

The linebacker from Ashwaubenon finished with three tackles, including one for a loss, and a forced fumble in the first half of the Badgers' 28-20 victory over Northern Illinois Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium.

He finished with seven tackles, tied for third most on the team.

Taylor, who redshirted last season after undergoing neck surgery, was ha...

Madison — Too close for comfort and much closer than it should have been.

On a day when several Big Ten football teams struggled against lesser non-conference opponents, the University of Wisconsin appeared poised to open its season with a workmanlike victory over a well-coached Northern Illinois team Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium.

Several miscues in the final quarter by UW - on offense, defense and special teams - allowed the 16 ½-point underdog Huskies to ...

Madison — Waves.

That's how the University of Wisconsin defensive line came at Northern Illinois' offensive front in the season opener Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badgers, 28-20 winners in front of a crowd of 80,532, went eight deep up front, counting on more defensive tackles in Week 1 than they did all of last season.

As a result, the Huskies, who returned all their key backs, found little room to run.

Northern Illinois gained 100 yards, averagin...