As the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to embark on their 2024 college football campaign, anticipation looms large. Their opening clash with the Western Michigan Broncos this Friday evening sets the stage for an exciting season. Below, we delve into three pivotal aspects that will undoubtedly shape the Badgers’ performance in this inaugural encounter.
Van Dyke’s Debut: A New Chapter Begins
All eyes will be fixated on quarterback Tyler Van Dyke as he steps onto the field for the first time donning the Badgers’ colors. Having transferred from the Miami Hurricanes, Van Dyke’s collegiate journey has been marked by fluctuations in form and health setbacks. However, under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Phil Longo, he has the opportunity to pen a new chapter.
The challenge for transfer quarterbacks often lies in the acclimation to a new system, forging connections with unfamiliar receivers, and adapting to a different offensive line’s dynamics. Van Dyke, returning to the RPO-style “Air Raid” system that once crowned him ACC Freshman of the Year in 2021, has shown promising chemistry with the receiving corps, particularly throughout fall camp.
Last year, Tanner Mordecai, the Badgers’ previous signal-caller, had a mixed performance in the season opener, tallying 189 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, as Wisconsin eventually secured a 38-17 victory after a sluggish start. The question now is whether Van Dyke can seamlessly transition and ignite the offense from the outset, or if initial hiccups will mar his debut.
Running Back Rotation: A Balancing Act
The Badgers enter the season boasting a formidable backfield, spearheaded by sixth-year senior Chez Mellusi and Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker. However, the distribution of touches in Week 1 remains a key point of intrigue.
Mellusi, named the starter on the depth chart, brings experience and reliability, but Walker’s bruising running style and proven ability to handle a substantial workload—evidenced by his 513 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 102 carries last season—make him a compelling option. Will head coach Luke Fickell favor a hot-hand approach, or will the carries be evenly split between these two powerhouses?
Furthermore, the spotlight will also be on the backup running backs, as veterans Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli return alongside promising freshmen Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones. Who among them will seize the opportunity to make an impact with their initial carries?
Defensive Fortitude: Can the Badgers Hold the Line?
While Wisconsin enters the game as a 24-point favorite, Western Michigan’s run game could pose a challenge that the Badgers cannot afford to underestimate. Jalen Buckley, the Broncos’ star running back, returns after a stellar season where he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, scored 10 touchdowns, and averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. Buckley is set to be the workhorse for the Broncos, and containing him will be crucial for Wisconsin.
The Badgers’ defense faces an additional challenge following the loss of top defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., whose upper-body injury is likely to sideline him for the entirety of the 2024 season. This absence leaves a void in the defensive line and raises questions about the unit’s depth and resilience. The forthcoming game will serve as an early test of whether the Badgers can maintain a sturdy run defense without their star lineman—a concern that extends beyond this Friday’s matchup and into the season ahead.
As the Wisconsin Badgers take the field this Friday, these storylines will be central to their quest for a victorious start. How they navigate these challenges could very well set the tone for the rest of the season.