No. 19, Wisconsin 37: Western Illinois 3: Tanner McEvoy shook off a sluggish start to throw for 283 yards and three touchdowns and rush for 55 yards and another score as the Badgers routed FCS Western Illinois in their home opener.

McEvoy, a converted safety making his second career start under center, was only 1-of-3 for 8 yards and an interception in the first quarter as Wisconsin (1-1) seemed to sputter following the previous week’s collapse in a 28-24 loss to LSU. But the junior was 22-of-25 for 275 yards the rest of the way, with sophomore wide receiver Alex Erickson (10 catches, 122 yards) and junior tight end Sam Arnseon (87 yards) enjoying career days as his favorite targets.

Despite scoring on an 8-yard reception in the third quarter, Wisconsin tailback Melvin Gordon was limited to 38 yards on 17 rushing attempts. Western Illinois (1-1) couldn't capitalize on the strong defensive start, managing only a 29-yard Nathan Knuffman field goal on the final play of the first half.

After leading only 9-3 at halftime, Wisconsin reached the end zone on its first two drives of the second half and never looked back. The Badgers then added two more TDs in the final quarter to cap their 30th straight home win over a nonconference opponent.

Wisconsin had a 2-0 lead only a second into the contest as Western Illinois return man Kyle Hammonds muffed the opening kickoff and then mistakenly took a knee in the end zone after the ball had crossed over the goal-line. Still, it took until the Badgers' fifth drive to get their second score – a 7-yard McEvoy read-option run with a 2:16 remaining in the half.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Erickson essentially matched his career receiving totals (nine catches, 127 yards) with his career outing Saturday. … Western Illinois, which rolled up 593 total yards in a 45-6 season-opening win over Valparaiso last week, was limited to 162 yards Saturday. … Wisconsin played without starters DT Warren Herring (knee) and FB Derek Watt (foot) and both players will be out at least a month after undergoing surgeries.