3 Big Things From Wisconsin Football Win Over Buffalo

Wisconsin Football started their 2023 season with a comfortable win over Buffalo 38-17. The Badgers started slow but finished strong in this one behind new head coach Luke Fickell.

It is a new era of Badgers football that many fans are excited to see. Here are three big things from the win!

Wisconsin Football Air Raid Offense

Yes, you read that heading correctly. The air raid offense is one of the most significant changes with the new coaching staff. For as long as I have been alive, Wisconsin football has always been about the i-formation and running the football. I never thought I would see a Badger team run the hurry-up offense on the game’s first drive. Even as I watched it happen in real-time, I felt shocked. With new QB Tanner Mordecai and a plethora of weapons on the outside, new offensive coordinator Phil Longo has all the tools he needs to run this offense.

Although it looked rough today at times, it was time for Wisconsin to adapt to modern football and be a threat in the passing game. As the season continues, the importance and execution will show. Aside from the two interceptions, Mordecai made some nice throws, including one that should’ve gone for a touchdown that was dropped. It will take some time and reps to make the connections for these guys, and you saw it a little bit in the second half.

Does Wisconsin Football Have the Best RB Duo in the Country?

Call me biased, but Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen are the best 1-2 punch in the Nation. Or, as Luke Fickell would call it, a “1-1 punch”. Coming off his injury, Mellusi looked fantastic this afternoon. I think he will benefit the most from the change in the system. He reminds me of many previous running backs in Longo’s systems at North Carolina. That showed today as Mellusi ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by an 89-yard house call.

Can you believe this?! 😱@chez_mellusi with an incredible 89-yard TD for @BadgerFootball. 🤯

📺: FS1/@CFBonFox pic.twitter.com/gmFNZzzylc

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 2, 2023

On the other hand, don’t forget about Braelon Allen. Allen carried the rock for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Wisconsin football reverted to its old ways of running downhill and wearing out the opponent in the second half. We saw a lot more pistol formation and designed runs that were successful. Allen also set a career-high in catches today out of the backfield. Expect to see a lot of that this season, and as long as Allen is getting the ball in space, I’m here for it.

Better Next Week

Aside from the great things we saw on both sides of the ball in the second half, the first half was not pretty. If Wisconsin thinks they can play like that next week and get away with it, they are mistaken. The Badgers head to Washington State for a primetime ABC game with the Cougars on Saturday night. Wisconsin football owes a little payback to Washington State after their 17-14 loss last year.

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