Illinois blows lead in loss to No. 15 Wisconsin

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For one half, Illinois looked like the team that opened the season with a six-game winning streak.

Unfortunately for the Illini, the second half was a disaster that looked much like their play during their embarrassing losing streak.

Illinois committed four turnovers and No. 15 Wisconsin scored three unanswered touchdowns in a 28-17 victory Saturday.

"As soon as we turned it over the first time on offense, then it seems like they began to think and we went back into the old mood," embattled coach Ron Zook said.

Donovonn Young rushed for two TDs for Illinois (6-5, 2-5 Big 10), which has lost five straight. Zook's job security has come into question during the slide, and Michael Buchanan exchanged words with one fan clamoring for the coach's ouster as the defensive end left the field.

The Illini led 17-7 at halftime and would have had a bigger lead if not for a disputed pass-interference call.

What happened over the next half hour was more familiar.

Montee Ball led the second-half charge by Wisconsin, rushing for 164 yards and scoring two of his three touchdowns after the break.

"We started off pretty slow," said Ball, who finished with 224 yards on 38 carries. "We did a great job of overcoming adversity, coming in and working our X's and O's at halftime and making sure we capitalize on their mistakes."

The loss capped another disappointing week for the Illinois, who were without Trulon Henry after the starting linebacker was shot in the hand at a party.

In the locker room, offensive coordinator Paul Petrino defended the coaching staff.

"I wouldn't be so happy and trying to run everyone out of town," he said. "It's a really good staff."

Athletic Director Mike Thomas has said he'll evaluate Zook's performance after the season.

Wisconsin (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten) is in position to meet Michigan State in the first Big Ten championship game. The Badgers host Penn State next weekend in their final regular-season game.

Illinois outgained Wisconsin 301-285, but the turnovers — a fumble and three interceptions — combined with special teams mistakes doomed the Illini.

The Badgers scored on drives of 44, 39, 30 and 2 yards. Their first 14 points were set up by an Illinois turnover and a badly botched punt.

Wisconsin trailed 14-0 before Illinois punter Justin Duvernois dropped a snap at his own 2-yard line, setting up a 1-yard run by Ball with 2:55 left in the first half.

Derek Dimke kicked a 41-yard field goal to make it 17-7 at halftime, but it was all Wisconsin from there.

"I told them at halftime, this is going to be one of the greatest memories you'll ever have because you were in such an adverse situation, and then come up and be triumphant," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said.

Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland hit receiver Darius Millines on the Illini's first possession of the third quarter, forcing a fumble. Wisconsin needed 7 minutes, 11 seconds and 12 plays to go 30 yards, but Ball finally capped the drive with a 5-yard TD reception.

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus said the short field hurt but was no excuse for giving up the scores that let the Badgers back in the game.

"It can wear on you a little bit," said Mercilus, who now has 13½ sacks. "We can't think internally about ourselves, though, and how tired we are. Adversity is going to happen."

The Badgers' go-ahead touchdown came courtesy of an Illini mistake, too.