Penn State and Wisconsin are deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime of their Week 1 marquee matchup.

The defenses were predictably excellent, but the offenses didn’t provide much resistance.

Wisconsin’s offense stalled significantly on the ground as the Badgers averaged just 2.9 yards per carry in the first half. Chez Mellusi led the way with 17 carries for 69 yards.

Quarterback Graham Mertz, who got off to a hot start last season, was less effective in the first half. He completed 7-of-11 passes for 42 yards — an average of 3.8 yards per attempt.

Wisconsin did come close to scoring twice, but the Badgers weren’t able to convert. Penn State blocked a 25-yard field goal and forced a red zone fumble later in the half.

As for the Nittany Lions’ offense, it was even worse. Penn State managed just 43 total yards of offense on 22 plays. Noah Cain was Penn State’s leading rusher with three yards.

Penn State went 1-for-7 on third down and had the ball for just 8:11 in the opening half.

The Nittany Lions are looking for their fifth consecutive win over Wisconsin.