8 thoughts from Wisconsin football's win over Middle Tennessee
What stood out from the Badgers' victory that was very uncomfortable during the first two-plus quarters.
MADISON, Wis. — A four-play sequence, and a review, in the third quarter changed the complexion of the University of Wisconsin football team’s second win of the 2025 season.
The energy within Camp Randall Stadium was in Middle Tennessee’s favor as it moved into Wisconsin territory on its first drive of the second half. Badgers clung to a four-point lead after giving up yet another third-down conversion just outside the red zone. Officials initially gave MTSU a first down on that third-and-1 rush, but replay determined running back Jekail Middlebrook was stopped for no gain.
Wisconsin’s defense bowed up on a fourth-down stand thanks to a great tackle by linebacker Christian Alliegro. And after a 14-yard carry by running back Darrion Dupree, the Badgers received the breathing room it needed with a 61-yard touchdown run by receiver Trech Kekahuna.
Wisconsin (2-0) exploded for four consecutive touchdown drives in the second half on way to a 42-10 win over Middle Tennesssee (0-2).
“But it takes a spark, and to be quite honest with you, we got a fortunate review, and they put it back a ½ yard behind, and we made a play,” coach Luke Fickell said. “And it's amazing how that can kind of spark a lot of different things.
“And for whatever reason, it did. We know that we've got to find ways to do that. And when you have momentum, you got to keep it. And we created some there, and we did a really, really good job at keeping it throughout the rest of the game.”
Here are seven other thoughts from Wisconsin’s win.
Wisconsin’s receivers allowed Badgers to break away in second half
The move to new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and his “NFL-style” system forces defenses to prepare for many different players and various ways they can get the ball in their hands. The first two games of the season has shown that, most notably for the wide receivers against MTSU.
Redshirt sophomore slot receiver Trech Kekahuna accumulated 89 all-purpose yards — 28 receiving on four catches and 61 rushing on that aforementioned touchdown. Senior Vinny Anthony II caught four passes for 50 yards receiving, but he rushed 14 yards for a touchdown on an end around late in the third quarter.
“Like how I said in Platteville,” said Kekahuna, referencing a previous conversation with Grimes, “Coach showed us how he can get the guys, the playmakers, the ball. And I've definitely seen that.
“As soon as he turned on that film, the first play at Kansas he was showing me, and I was like, it'll be great to be that guy in that type of situations. And for it to show on this Saturday afternoon, it was a blessing.”
Ohio State transfer Jayden Ballard finished with two catches for 73 yards receiving, highlighted by his 58-yard touchdown reception. Three other Wisconsin receivers also caught passes against MTSU.