Thursday, December 26, 2024

Wisconsin football: What went right, what went wrong in decisive 28-14 victory

The day after the 28-14 victory over West Michigan BroncosThe Wisconsin football team let the dust settle and the team got some rest.

The Badgers managed to win their season opener for the third time in a row, defeating the Western Michigan Broncos 28-14. While this may seem like a two-point win for the Wisconsin football team, the game really didn’t feel like it. Wisconsin is certainly excited about the win, but now they need to focus on what they can improve on after a close game.

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Wisconsin football showcases thrilling defense and forceful running game in victory

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during a spring football practice Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays its first game of the season against Western Michigan on Aug. 31.

The Wisconsin football team had its share of success in their victory over the Western Michigan Broncos. While luck certainly played a part in the victory, none of it would have been possible without the defensive and special teams play of Wisconsin. The Badgers once again showed that they have one of the best defenses in the country, showcasing their depth.

Corner star Ricardo Hallman He struck fear into the defense last season, throwing seven interceptions and shutting down his side of the field. Western Michigan’s staff understood that and didn’t test Hallman once all game, effectively avoiding his side of the field. But it was true freshman Xavier Lucas who hurt the offense after a toe-tapping interception on the sideline ended the game for the Broncos.

Security Hunter Wohler led the team with six solo tackles and seven total tackles, picking up right where he left off a season ago. Wohler was forced to play for Wisconsin football last season as a team leader both on and off the field. The safety looked exceptional against the Broncos and played well on defense, making multiple stops.

On offense, the Wisconsin football team once again showcased a two-headed attack by attacking the quarterbacks In Mellusia AND Tawee Walker forward. Walker and Mellusi combined for 140 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. The running back duo carried the ball 34 times and received it three times on offense.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team has struggled to move effectively on offense.

Wisconsin Football
Wisconsin player Chez Mellusi (1) is shown with his unit during spring football practice Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays its first game of the season against Western Michigan on Aug. 31.

While the Wisconsin football team won and got the crucial part done, the team now needs to focus on how to get better. The Badgers have a matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide right around the corner that could get really ugly. For Wisconsin to improve, they need to focus on getting separation on offense as a receiving unit.

Wide audience Will Pauling be is certainly the guy Wisconsin wants to have around, but Pauling has struggled to get free agency. Pauling had four first downs for the Badgers, registering six receptions and 60 yards in the game. But the wide receiver had a drop that he struggled with last season, and couldn’t catch two balls in motion.

Pauling is a great receiver, but when it comes to being great against other great players, a wide receiver has to play to his potential. Another receiver who struggled was C.J. Williamswho dropped his only goal of the game. As mentioned earlier, drops have been an issue in the receiver room in the past, and it looks like that could continue into the 2024 season.

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke had a solid performance for the Wisconsin football team, but it certainly wasn’t the best performance by his own standards. The quarterback was 21-of-36 for 192 yards, but he posted a quarterback rating of 48.8 for the game. Van Dyke didn’t make the best reads, as he attempted one deep pass and also had two pass worthy of a turnover that were in the hands of defenders.

More great sports content about Wisconsin

Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerreraand follow us on @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date on everything Wisconsin sports, click here

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