It doesn’t get better than what Tanner Mordecai just did in the first quarter at Purdue. To put it into perspective, at the end of the first fifteen minutes the Badger quarterback was the leading passer, rusher, and receiver for Wisconsin’s offense. Yes, receiver.
Mordecai finished the first quarter with a pair of rushing touchdowns to give Wisconsin a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. It was a Heisman-like quarter from number eight, who also caught a pass on a wild double toss that resulted in a 19-yard completion.
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Here is a look at how Badger fans reacted to (finally!) a fast start from the Badgers:
The Big Ten is officially on notice:
Two drives, two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Tanner Mordecai. Wisconsin 14, Purdue 0. If the Badgers can play like this during the Big Ten season, look out.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 22, 2023
Doing it all:
Tanner Mordecai tonight vs. Purdue:
• 2-4 comp-att
• 20 pass yds
• 4 rush
• 21 rush yds
• 2 rush TD
• 1 reception
• 19 rec ydsMordecai is the game’s leading passer, rusher, and receiver.
He is also responsible for both TDs scored.
Mordecai does it all. pic.twitter.com/FAg75QnETk
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 22, 2023
The Badgers taking advantage of Purdue’s weakness:
I’ve been hinting at QB design runs being an extra element that the #Badgers should add more, especially against Purdue.
Badgers strike paydirt there with a Tanner Mordecai TD run. Very crisp start.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 22, 2023
Playing that way tonight:
Future Heisman winner Tanner Mordecai
— 𝐽𝐸𝑁 𝑀𝐴𝐶𝐾 🧀 (@BigMack_4) September 22, 2023
Just like they drew it up:
Tanner Mordecai has twice as many receiving/rushing yards as passing yards.
— Andrew. (@LatiNo_Chill) September 22, 2023
Air raid is here:
Best line: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman, on Phil Longo’s air raid plays after an end around throw for a completion in the red zone to QB Tanner Mordecai, “This is not your father’s Wisconsin.”
— Rudy Martzke (@FakeRudyMartzke) September 22, 2023
The protection has been amazing:
Tanner Mordecai had enough time in the pocket to prepare a full rack of ribs.
This Purdue defense has been bad tonight. Badgers up 14-0.
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) September 22, 2023