Ryan Hopkins shines in his first start as Wisconsin trounces Rutgers 31-10

MADISON, Wis. -- , Freshman Ryan Hopkins went 18 of 24 for 241 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start as Wisconsin bounced back from its worst loss of the season by defeating Rutgers 31-10 on Saturday. Hopkins earned the start in place of Colton Joseph after relieving him during a 30-0 defeat at Iowa last week. Joseph had thrown for fewer than 100 yards in each of the Badgers’ last three games. “I tried to come out with just as much poise and confidence as possible," Hopkins said. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said the decision to start Hopkins came Monday night and noted the physical toll that the season has taken on Joseph, who has a team-high 91 carries. “I know Colton had been beaten up and not been feeling great," Fickell said. "So we just kind of said I think this is the opportunity to see what the young kid could do.