By Danielle Daniels
October 23, 2023
Redshirt freshman QB helped lead Badgers past Illinois with huge 4th quarter
Wisconsin redshirt freshman quarterback Braedyn Locke was named Big Ten freshman of the week, announced by the conference on Monday morning. Locke guided the Badgers past Illinois in his first collegiate start, bringing UW back from a 21-7 deficit in the fourth quarter.
Locke completed 21-of-41 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. In the closing stages of the game, Locke led three-straight scoring drives, capped by a game-winning toss to OL Nolan Rucci with 0:27 remaining. The comeback gave UW its first Big Ten win in regulation after trailing by 14+ in the fourth quarter ever (modern era, since 1946).
The Rockwall, Texas native is the first Badger since Braelon Allen to earn Big Ten freshman of the week honors. Allen was recognized twice in 2021. Locke is the first Badger QB to earn the accolade since Graham Mertz in 2020.
COURTESY WISCONSIN ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
