Fall camp for the Wisconsin football team is starting soon, and the 2024 season is set to begin on August 30. The Badgers will face Western Michigan at home under the lights of Camp Randall. Year two under head coach Luke Fickell should be a better year now that the players have a full year in the system.
The offense was up and down last season. We saw good moments and frustrating moments. It was pretty much what we should expect from the novel Air Force offense under offensive coordinator Phil Longo. This year should be better. Here’s an early look at the Wisconsin football offense.
Wisconsin football has a novel quarterback
For the second straight year, the Wisconsin football team will have a novel quarterback. Tyler Van Dyke, a transfer from Miami (FL), is expected to be the starter. However, sophomore Brayden Locke, who is a sophomore, will compete with Van Dyke in fall camp. I would be surprised if it wasn’t Van Dyke under center against Western Michigan.
Van Dyke doesn’t have the running ability of Tanner Mordecai, but he has a great throwing arm and a ton of college football experience. I can see why Phil Longo and Luke Fickell like Van Dyke, as he should be able to push the ball downfield more than he did last season.
Wisconsin football team adds novel running back duo
Braelon Allen, now with the New York Jets, is gone after three successful years. However, Wisconsin football is back with Chez Mellusi, a sixth-year senior who has suffered season-ending injuries the past two seasons. He won’t be a cowbell, but I thought he would be a great complement to Phil Longo’s offense when vigorous. He was a better defender in the system than Braelon Allen, to be sincere.
Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker will likely split reps with Mellusi. He has one year of eligibility remaining and comes from one of the top programs in the country. At 5’9 and 222 pounds, Walker will be a lightning bolt for this running back duo. Walker had 496 yards on the ground last season.
Knowledge on the line and at the receiver
While there are novel faces at quarterback and tight end, there are plenty of familiar faces returning at the offensive line and receiver positions. The receiver duo of Will Pauling and Bryson Green are back for another year, while players like Tretch Kekahuna, C.J. Williams and Vinny Anthony II are looking to make a jump in their second years. Pauling should be one of the top receivers in the Big Ten. This group should lend a hand Tyler Van Dyke early in the season while he gets settled.
The offensive line is missing two starters from last season, but part of that was Jake Renfroe missing all but one game. Joe Brunner, who came to UW with a ton of hype, will finally get his chance to start. Tackles Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlmann are back and should provide plenty of stability. They could be one of the better tackle combinations in the Big Ten.
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