{
  "id": 7045601,
  "title": "Sama, Dupree rush for TDs as Wisconsin beats Western Illinois 36-9 in home opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/sama-dupree-rush-for-tds-as-wisconsin-beats-western-illinois-36-9-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T02:31:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/09/12/sama-iii-dupree-rush-for-tds-as-wisconsin-beats-western-illinois-36-9-in-home-opener"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abu Sama III and Damon Dupree each scored a touchdown to propel Wisconsin to a 36-9 victory over Western Illinois in their home opener on Saturday night. Sama's initial score came on an impressive 72-yard run on the game's first play, marking the first of his young career at Wisconsin. The running back finished the game with 107 rushing yards on eight carries and one score. Western Illinois' Carson Van Dinter sealed the early lead by 7:54 into the first quarter with a punt block, recovery, and touchdown, extending the score to 17-0. The Badgers' Gavin Lahm added three field goals, including a career-high 51-yarder, to widen the margin to 23-6 at halftime. In the third quarter, Western Illinois' Zach Culkin chipped in with three field goals of 27, 27, and 34 yards. With just 5:39 left in the third quarter, Damon Dupree's 28-yard touchdown run extended Wisconsin's lead to 30-9. Quarterback Colton Joseph led Wisconsin with 173 passing yards and one touchdown on 12-of-22 passing. The dual-threat Old Dominion transfer also contributed 38 yards on four rushes. Chris Brooks Jr. finished the game with a 53-yard touchdown reception from Joseph, sealing the 36-9 win for Wisconsin. This marked the second meeting between the two teams, with Wisconsin being the only Football Bowl Subdivision opponent on Western Illinois' schedule this season. Western Illinois' Kennedy McGill, a Central Washington transfer, showed potential as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 88 yards on 18 carries and 139 yards on 13-of-22 passing. Wisconsin's special teams unit continued to provide a spark, with Van Dinter blocking a punt against Western Illinois and Liam Danitz blocking another punt in Wisconsin's season-opening loss to Notre Dame. Western Illinois will host Morehead State next Saturday, while Wisconsin will host Eastern Michigan.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Sama III and Damon Dupree each scored a touchdown in Wisconsin's 36-9 victory over Western Illinois.",
    "Western Illinois' Carson Van Dinter scored first with a punt block, recovery, and touchdown."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}