Thursday, December 26, 2024

Wisconsin Badgers: Luke Fickell points out where team fell compact in win over Western Michigan

The Wisconsin Badgers avoided disaster in their 2024 college football season opener against the Western Michigan Broncos. The Badgers were about 24.5-point favorites heading into last Friday’s game at Camp Randall Stadium, but they won by just 14 points, 28-14.

However, a win is a win and Wisconsin still has time to get itself together and perform better on the field.

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The Badgers will have another seemingly inferior opponent this coming weekend as the FCS South Dakota Coyotes come to Madison. This time, Badgers head coach Luke Fickell wants his team to take advantage of their home-field advantage, especially the energy from the crowd, which he believes Wisconsin failed to maximize against Western Michigan.

August 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) plays against Western Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

By Tony Liebert of Sports Illustrated:

“We didn’t capitalize on the home field advantage, that’s on us,” Fickell said. “If there’s one thing that really sticks out to me that we need to do better, it’s capitalizing on what we were given and the atmosphere that we weren’t able to really get going.”

South Dakota enters this weekend’s game off a 45-3 victory over the Northern State Wolves on Aug. 29.

Wisconsin Badgers beat Western Michigan in opener

Wisconsin Badgers
August 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin mascot Bucky Badger performs during a game against Western Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Against the Broncos, Badgers quarterback Tyler Van Dyke passed for 192 yards on just 21-of-36 completions, while Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker had 74 and 66 yards, respectively, and a touchdown each.

The Badgers had a three-point lead at halftime but scored just three points in the third quarter, outscoring Western Michigan 15-7 in the final quarter. In all, Wisconsin gained 388 yards to 261 against Western Michigan.

Wisconsin Badgers, Luke Fickell
August 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Fickell talks to linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the second quarter of the game against Western Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

More information about sports in Wisconsin:

Follow me on Twitter: @mcquadewarnoldfollow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also contact McQuade Arnold by email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with the latest on ALL sports in Wisconsin, Click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. He Wisconsin. FearTheDeer. This Is My Crew.

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