ESPN College Football

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- P.J. Hill conjured up memories of former Badgers bruiser Ron Dayne for the second straight week, bouncing off defenders on his way to 101 yards and three touchdowns as Wisconsin beat Division I-AA Western Illinois 34-10 on Saturday.

Wisconsin senior quarterback John Stocco was 15-for-25 for 227 yards, but got up gingerly after throwing a touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter.

Stocco, who had knee surgery in August but was a surprise starter in the Badgers' season-opening victory over Bowling Green last Saturday, did not return to the game.

Wisconsin (2-0) got off to a shaky start when Jarvis Minton fumbled the opening kickoff, leading to a field goal for Western Illinois (1-1).

But Hill's powerful runs allowed the Badgers to grind out two touchdown drives of more than seven minutes in the first half. Hill had 16 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns before halftime.

Hill's first touchdown came on second-and-goal from the 1 early in the second quarter, and Hill scored another 1-yard touchdown later in the quarter.

The Leathernecks tried to throw the ball against Wisconsin, frequently using four-receiver formations. Steve LaFalce completed 20-of-40 for 168 yards and threw three interceptions.

An interception by Wisconsin linebacker Mark Zalweski led to a field goal just before halftime, giving the Badgers a 20-3 lead.

The Western Illinois offense gathered some momentum in the third quarter but couldn't turn it into points.

The Leathernecks opened the second half by driving to the Wisconsin 39-yard line, but LaFalce threw into double coverage in the end zone and the ball was intercepted by safety Joe Stellmacher.

Wisconsin went three-and-out on its next possession, then had an apparent fumble recovery on a botched fair catch by Western Illinois nullified by an official's inadvertent whistle.

Western Illinois put together another deep drive, only to be stopped on an attempted trick play on fourth-and-2 at the Badgers' 4-yard line.

LaFalce handed off to running back Alex Douglas, who ran right, swiveled to his left and threw it back to LaFalce. But LaFalce couldn't juke his way past defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, who tackled him for a 2-yard loss.

Wisconsin cornerback Allen Langford intercepted LaFalce early in the fourth quarter, setting up Hill's third touchdown on first-and-goal from the 2.

Stocco threw his only touchdown pass to tight end Andy Crooks in the fourth quarter, but he was hit hard on the play and got up slowly.

Backup Tyler Donovan replaced Stocco and threw an interception that was returned 17 yards for a touchdown by cornerback Kevin Almlie.