Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Wisconsin defeats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 2:31 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Wisconsin defeats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener

Summary

Wisconsin secured its first win of the season Saturday with a 36-9 victory over Western Illinois in Madison. Running back Abu Sama III opened the scoring with a 72-yard touchdown run on the game's first play and finished with 107 rushing yards. Safety Carson Van Dinter contributed to the lead with a blocked punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Gavin Lahm added three field goals, including a career-long 51-yard kick. Western Illinois quarterback Kennedy McGill accounted for 227 total yards, though the team was hampered by six penalties. Wisconsin remains at home to host Eastern Michigan next Saturday, while Western Illinois hosts Morehead State.

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By the Numbers

•Abu Sama III rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown on eight carries.
•Colton Joseph completed 12 of 22 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.
•Wisconsin has recorded a blocked punt in each of its first two games.
•Kennedy McGill totaled 139 passing yards and 88 rushing yards for Western Illinois.
•Wisconsin hosts Eastern Michigan and Western Illinois hosts Morehead State next Saturday.

Latest Updates

2:31 AMYahoo Sports — Sama, Dupree rush for TDs as Wisconsin beats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener

What they're saying

"
Abu Sama III and Damon Dupree ran for one score each to lead Wisconsin to a 36-9 win against Western Illinois on Saturday night. Sama ran 72 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game to put Wisconsin ahead 7-0. The score was the first of Sama's young Wisconsin career; the Iowa State transfer rushed for a career-high 107 yards on eight carries to go with one score.
— Yahoo Sportsby TAMIRA MADSEN

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