Illinois falls to Wisconsin after fourth quarter collapse

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It doesn’t get any worse than that.

Despite upsetting high-powered Maryland the week prior, the Illini came into Homecoming Saturday at Memorial Stadium as underdogs against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Just like last weekend, Bret Bielema’s squad went into the fourth quarter with a double-digit lead. However, Wisconsin scored 11 unanswered points to cut the lead to 21-18 before getting the ball back again with under four minutes left.

A few big plays later, the Badger offense sat three yards away from glory with just 27 seconds left. On third down, redshirt freshman Braedyn Locke dropped back to pass, and looking into the corner of the endzone, he let it fly.

Wide open. Touchdown.

Although the Illini put on a rushing clinic, it wasn’t enough. Locke’s heroics and Braelon Allen’s dominant second half propelled Wisconsin to outscore Illinois 18-0 in the fourth quarter and steal the win, 25-21.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In five of the first six games, the Illinois…