Fans take to Twitter to weigh in on Badgers' victory over Fighting Illini
From the Relive Badgers' opening-night victory with State Journal's in-depth coverage of UW's rout of Illinois series
Wisconsin State Journal reporter Jim Polzin asked Badgers fans on Twitter what they thought of quarterback Graham Mertz's play and No. 14 Wisconsin's 45-7 victory over Illinois in the season opener Friday night at an empty Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
Here's what fans were saying after the Badgers picked up their first win of the long-delayed season behind a stellar performance from the redshirt freshman play-caller:
Formula for success
If Mr. October looks this good in November and December, it might be a fun January for #Badgers fans coast-to-coast.
— Rob Hernandez (@RobHernandezGLF) October 24, 2020
Stars align
Its rare for me to be hyped up about a player coming in, and for that player to exceed my expectations like that. This is a night I think we'll all remember.
— Ben Pascoe (@Badger8th) October 24, 2020
Still needs polishing
It's only one game, but Mertz looked like the real deal. Have some things to clean up, like the running game and covering QB scrambles. But it was a fun opening game to Big Ten Football.
— Uncultured Barbarian (@SolomonGrundy2) October 24, 2020
Follow the leader
— Tavern WI Sports (@TavernWISports) October 24, 2020
Let's hear it for the D
Defense deserves some hype as well. Mertz is the best UW recruit at QB ever. Open up the playbook. Swing passes are fine, but more shots down the field since we can do it. Love Jack, and hope he gets well soon.
— Brian Hipp (@Brianhipp) October 24, 2020
Credit where credit's due
And It’s Still A Wonderful Life by Graham Mertz. But let us not forget that Badgers O line and the Badgers forward-moving Defense. Go Badgers 🦡😷🏈
— Paul Yochum'63 (@PaulYochum63) October 24, 2020
Tempering expectations
It is only one game. Trying not to get too excited but is sure looked encouraging moving forward.
— Kenneth Kluever (@61klk) October 24, 2020
Built to lead
Poised, confident. Finally the Badgers have a QB that can manage a game and put you on his back when they need it
— Scott Herbst (@herbst20) October 24, 2020
It's got a good ring to it
I’m thinking if @GrahamMertz5 keeps playing lights out. He could be getting his own State Farm commercial someday. “Like a good neighbor, Graham Mertz is there.” #OnWisconsin 👐🦡
— Michael Herfel 😷🇺🇸 (@MichaelHerfel7) October 24, 2020
Been awhile
Most exciting first start I remember by a Badger QB since Russell Wilson. Who was a senior.
— gospeedracergo (@bdgrdoc) October 24, 2020
Whole new game
We saw the changing of the guard and moving to a QB focused offense.
— Doug Benzine (@DougBenzine) October 24, 2020
Next?
College football's next Lebron! #MertzMania
— Mike Ramczyk (@mikeramczyk17) October 24, 2020
Issues lurking
Defense was spectacular. Running could be a problem but passing was great.
— JM_Wisconsin (@Jeff85257) October 24, 2020
In need of depth
He was great. If Groshek is the only serious back Badgers are in trouble.
— Tom Kuzmanovic (@TheKuzmonster) October 24, 2020
Balanced performance
Mertz was as advertised, defense was equally impressive. 1-0
— smokeyzupan (@smokeyzupan) October 24, 2020
Overflowing with joy
— Mike Hughes 📷 (@Sgt13Echo) October 24, 2020
Billy knows talent
— John G (@John_G_16) October 24, 2020
Owning the role
Confident and poised beyond his years
— Mark Meddings (@MeddingsMark1) October 24, 2020
Only a matter of time
We knew it was coming
— WiscoAP (@WiscoAP) October 24, 2020
Who is?
He wasn’t perfect... 😎
— Drayton Charles (@draybaybay11) October 24, 2020
In this Series
Relive Badgers' opening-night victory with State Journal's in-depth coverage of UW's rout of Illinois
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Updated
Making his mark: Badgers QB Graham Mertz turns in dominant first start as Wisconsin routs Illinois
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Updated
Stunning start: NFL stars, fans go crazy on Twitter over QB Graham Mertz's play in Badgers' victory
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Tom Oates: Wisconsin Badgers QB Graham Mertz lives up to massive hype in starting debut
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From redshirt freshman Graham Mertz's coming out party to the UW defense's dominant start, relive all the action from the 14th-ranked Wisconsi…
Years from now, hundreds of thousands of UW football fans will say they were there for the debut of quarterback Graham Mertz. They'll all be lying.
