Badgers’ Narrow Escape: Key Takeaways from Wisconsin’s Rocky Start Against Western Michigan
MADISON, Wis. — As Luke Fickell embarks on his sophomore year with the Wisconsin Badgers, the spotlight falls on the evolution of his program following a modest 7-6 debut. Assessing this progression becomes particularly intricate given a schedule peppered with five preseason AP top-25 contenders. Despite the hurdles, there was a whisper of optimism that the Badgers might be charting a course in the right direction.
Was Wisconsin’s 28-14 victory over Western Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium on Friday night a sign of advancement? Given the pregame expectation of a 24-point margin, trailing by a single point with 45 seconds left in the fourth quarter casts a shadow over the win. Nonetheless, the result steered clear of an inauspicious start. Here are three pivotal takeaways from Wisconsin’s performance:
1. Offensive Output: A Mixed Bag
The buzz surrounding Wisconsin’s offense was palpable, especially after last season’s lowly scoring average, the worst in nearly two decades. The opening game yielded a dual narrative.
On the plus side, Wisconsin’s initial four drives were methodically crafted: 16 plays, 16 plays, 14 plays, and 14 plays. comparison, the entire first season of offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s tenure saw only three drives exceeding 14 plays. Conversely, the Badgers faltered in the red zone, converting merely one of these drives into a touchdown.
A fortuitous turn of events in the fourth quarter gifted Wisconsin the lead. A punt from Badgers’ punter Atticus Bertrams ricocheted off Western Michigan’s DaShon Bussell, allowing Austin Brown to recover at the Broncos’ 20-yard line. Tawee Walker then bulldozed his way to the end zone, overcoming safety Tate Hallock for the decisive score.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, transferred from Miami, delivered a performance marked by inconsistency. A fumble led to a Western Michigan touchdown, and several passes nearly ended up intercepted. Yet, he did manage a precise throw to slot receiver Trech Kekahuna for a 2-point conversion and added a final touchdown run. Completing 21 of 36 passes for 192 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, Van Dyke’s performance signals more work ahead, especially with a looming home game against Alabama.
2. Defensive Dynamics: Not Quite Disruptive
Wisconsin’s defense fell short of the anticipated disruption. The Badgers didn’t register a sack until the final two minutes of the game. However, they stepped up when it mattered most, stifling Western Michigan’s Jalen Buckley — who had previously scored twice — on a crucial fourth-and-1 at midfield with 7:54 left in the fourth quarter. This pivotal stop handed Wisconsin’s offense a critical possession with a slender lead.
The defensive performance was solid but unremarkable. Western Michigan’s 16-play drive in the second quarter equalized the score at 7-7. The Broncos’ subsequent touchdown followed an extraordinary special teams play: a fake field goal executed by holder Ryan Millmore, with kicker Palmer Domschke galloping 26 yards to the Badgers’ 4-yard line. Buckley’s subsequent 1-yard run gave Western Michigan a fleeting 14-13 lead.
Wisconsin’s defensive lineup faces challenges, particularly with starter James Thompson Jr. possibly sidelined for the season due to an upper-body injury. On a positive note, the defense displayed versatility, showcasing various schemes and personnel. True freshman cornerback Xavier Lucas sealed the victory with an interception, hinting at a bright future in the secondary.
3. Running Back Duo: Walker and Mellusi
The dynamic tandem of Walker and Chez Mellusi at running back is worth noting. Both tailbacks exhibit remarkable tenacity, each contributing touchdowns against Western Michigan. Walker, a transfer from Oklahoma, started, but the duo shared the workload. Mellusi carried 19 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, while Walker ran 15 times for 66 yards and also found the end zone. Wisconsin demonstrated its depth at running back by utilizing four players, including Cade Yacamelli and Jackson Acker.
This game underscored the potential and challenges ahead for Wisconsin as they navigate a season brimming with promise and high-stakes matchups.
