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John Tonje breaks Wisconsin program record in Badgers win over No. 9 Arizona

John Tonje Breaks Wisconsin Program Record in Badgers Win Over No. 9 Arizona

Tonje Breaks Wisconsin Program Record

John Tonje put the Wisconsin Badgers on the board first, putting the Badgers up 7-0. The Illinois transfer’s field goal marked his 27th of the season, breaking the previous mark of 26, set by Rafael Gaglianone in 2015.

Tonje’s record-setting performance was sparked by a 23-yard field goal in the first half. In the second half, the graduate student added two more field goals from 25 and 30 yards to seal the Badgers victory.

Wisconsin Wins Over No. 9 Arizona

Wisconsin secured a dominating victory over No. 9 Arizona in the first game of the Phil Bennett era, looking impressive in all three facets: offense, defense, and special teams.

After John Tonje notched a 23-yard field goal, Wisconsin’s offense put together a nine-play drive, ending in a two-yard touchdown by Braelon Allen to give the Badgers a 10-0 lead less than halfway into the first half.

Arizona managed to get on the board late in the second quarter following an 11-play drive, resulting in a 1-yard rushing score by Jayden de Laura to cut the Badgers’ lead to 10-7 at the break.

Wisconsin’s offense surged back to stay ahead after the interval, traveling 75 yards down the field for a touchdown to kick off the second half. Graham Mertz found Isaac Guerendo downfield for a 35-yard touchdown pass to make the score 17-7.

Arizona's offense failed to answer Wisconsin’s scoring drive, and the Badgers extended their lead with a 25-yard field goal from Tonje to make the score 20-7.

The Badgers put the game away early in the fourth quarter, putting together a 13-play, 77-yard scoring drive, resulting in Allen's second rushing score of the day to give Wisconsin a 27-7 lead.

Wisconsin’s defense continued to shine, holding Arizona to under 100 total yards of offense in the second half and completely shutting down the Wildcats in the fourth quarter.

Arizona scored a garbage time touchdown on a pass from de Laura to Tetairoa McMillian midway through the fourth, but it was too little, too late as Wisconsin secured the 27-14 victory.

Tonje’s Success

Tonje’s Wisconsin record-setting performance marked a significant milestone for the kicker and the program.

After struggling for consistency in his first season with the Badgers, Tonje has found success under new special teams coordinator Chris Haering.

The senior has made 16 of his last 20 field goals, including his game-tying 52-yarder against Illinois and game-winning 31-yarder at Purdue last season.

Wisconsin’s Future

Wisconsin’s victory over a ranked Arizona team provides early optimism under first-year head coach Luke Fickell.

The Badgers’ defense, led by Nick Herbig, has shown signs of improvement and is becoming a force to be reckoned with early in the 2023 season.

The offense, featuring Chez Mellusi at running back, has the potential to make strides as the season goes on.

If the Badgers can continue to get consistent production from Tonje and develop their young playmakers, there is reason for optimism in Madison.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s win over No. 9 Arizona was a great start to the Phil Bennett era in Madison. The Badgers played a complete game in all three phases, with John Tonje breaking a program record in the process.