CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. — Wisconsin packed its run game for this road trip as the Badgers beat Illinois 24-0 on Saturday.

Chez Mellusi ran for 145 yards and a touchdown, Braelon Allen rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, and fullback John Chenal carried nine times for 38 yards and a touchdown for the Badgers.

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz was 10-of-19 passing for 100 yards. The Badgers (2-3, 1-2 Big Ten Conference) outgained Illinois 491-93 yards in total offense.

Coming into the game, Wisconsin ranked third in the nation and led the Big Ten in total defense, allowing just 249 yards per game and allowing just 4.3 yards per play. Chase Brown led all Illinois (2-5, 1-3) rushers with 35 yards on eight carries.

Illinois starting quarterback Brandon Peters was 3-of-7 passing for 30 yards before sustaining an unknown injury while being sacked in the second quarter. Artur Sitkowski replaced him and went 8 of 27 for 55 yards.

Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson caught a pass in his 39th straight game, breaking the school record for consecutive games with a reception previously held by wide receiver Lee Evans, who played for the Badgers from 2000-03.

The Badgers established the run early, scoring on a 17-yard Collin Larsh field goal late in the first quarter to cap an 18-play, 67-yard drive that featured just three passes.

Wisconsin boasts one of the toughest run defenses in the country, and Illinois has one of the best run offenses. But the Illini didn't run the ball until the first series of the second quarter when Josh McCray rushed for no gain near the Illinois goal line following a Kerby Joseph interception that prevented a Wisconsin touchdown.

UW's defense was absolutely smothering in earning the Big Ten shutout. Inside linebacker Leo Chenal earned his first sack of the season, assisted by Noah Burks who also tallied three QB hurries and led the Badgers overall with six tackles. Chenal was next in line with five, while teammate Nick Herbig counted three pass break-ups and three tackles.

Wisconsin outgained Illinois 206-33 in the first half, despite Mertz going 3-of-9 passing for 15 yards. Illinois rushed for 21 yards and passed for just 12 in the first half.

Wisconsin led 10-0 at the break.

Wisconsin returns home to play under Camp Randall's lights next Saturday, Oct. 16 vs. Army. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.