It was another close game for Wisconsin football on Saturday, as the Badgers defeated South Dakota 27-13 to improve to 2-0 in the 2024 season. Overall, the offense was better early on, but again stalled in the second and third quarters, scoring only three points. The Coyotes pulled to within 17-13, but Wisconsin football scored the final 10 points to secure the victory. Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s victory.
Wisconsin players started much better in attack
The Wisconsin football offense wasted no time getting on the scoreboard Saturday. They scored on their first and third possessions. The first possession was seven plays long and the third was three plays long, ending with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Van Dyke to C.J. Williams. It was a attractive feint that left Williams completely unmarked.
The competition for these FCS teams is much better than it used to be. Even 10 years ago, you were expected to score on five plays or less. Now? It might take a while for these teams to get to the end zone. I really liked the start of this game and I believe it’s something this offense needed and can build on.
Special teams and the third quarter almost cost another game
After the Wisconsin football team fell victim to a fraudulent field goal that resulted in a Western Michigan touchdown and a 14-13 loss last week, the Badgers special teams had another mishap. At a point in the game when momentum was tipping in South Dakota’s favor after the touchdown, Vinny Anthony fumbled a punt inside the 10-yard line that was recovered by the Coyotes, tying the game at 17-17.
Luckily, the Wisconsin football defense didn’t give up and got a third down sack from Elijah Hills. The Coyotes converted a field goal to make it 17-13, but it seemed the momentum was back in the Badgers’ favor. That’s what happened when they went down the field and got a 51-yard field goal from Nathanial Vakos.
It looks like we’ll have a long afternoon next week with Alabama
I, like most Wisconsin football fans, expected the Badgers to get through the first two games before playing Alabama. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Badgers would beat the Crimson Tide, but I thought they could give Alabama a 60-minute fight.
Now? I don’t see that happening. It’s a bit of a mystery why this team, which returns a ton of production from last year, has started poorly in its first two games. I give South Dakota credit for being one of the best teams in the FCS, but so far it’s been a conservative approach on the offensive side.
I don’t expect landslides, but I thought the Wisconsin football team, with its many seniors, would run away with these games. Instead, it was a one- or four-point game heading into the fourth quarter. Kudos to the Badgers for playing great in both fourth quarters, but they’ve been shut down in the third quarter every game. When you have a team like Alabama, that doesn’t magically change. That’s likely to be an issue this weekend.
Now I think the Badgers gave it their all in the first half, but Alabama will probably run away with this game in the third quarter. This team hasn’t done anything to change that opinion yet.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date with the latest Wisconsin sports news, click here! Also, check out our Merchandise Store for some awesome WSH merchandise!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate presentation or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation as the go-to person to book top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about the costs and fees for booking Packers players or alumni, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
