Wisconsin Badgers Football Superlatives for the 2023 Season

As 2023 comes to an end, it’s safe to say that it’s been one heck of a year for the Wisconsin Badgers football program, led by new head coach Luke Fickell.

The Badgers faced a lot of doubt and irritating injuries during the season, but came away with a winning record, visible improvement, and a ticket to Tampa Bay to face the LSU Tigers in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Day.

With that said, let’s wrap up the year with superlatives for the 2023 Wisconsin Badgers football team.

Wisconsin Football Most Valuable Player: Ricardo Hallman

Sophomore cornerback Ricardo Hallman was easily the brightest spot on the roster this season.

The Miami, Florida native was one of the best in his position across the entire nation, recording six interceptions, 24 solo tackles, and one pick-six. Hallman also capped off quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis’ career at Minnesota with an interception to seal Wisconsin’s efforts to bring the Paul Bunyan Axe back to Madison.

Fortunately, it looks like Badger fans will have another year to enjoy Hallman’s defensive magic before he declares for the NFL draft.

Best Victory: Paul Bunyan Axe

The Badgers were on the brink of a subpar .500 season ahead of their rivalry matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers to end the regular season.

With bragging rights, a winning record, and the Paul Bunyan Axe on the line, Fickell’s squad put on a memorable performance to defeat the Gophers 28-14 on away soil. In his final game as a Badger, running back Braelon Allen notched 165 yards and two touchdowns — a signature performance that surely caught the eyes of some NFL teams.

There’s a big difference between going 6-6 and 7-5 — and Wisconsin got the job done under the brightest of lights.

Most Impressive Play: Chez Mellusi’s 89-yard Touchdown Run vs. Buffalo

This one was never in any doubt.

Before Mellusi’s devastating season-ending leg injury, Chez and Braelon were looking like one of the best backfield duos in the nation.

While Allen was expected to be the clear-cut no. 1 earlier this season, Mellusi gave that statement a run for its money after scoring an 89-yard rushing touchdown against Buffalo in Wisconsin’s season opener. The senior broke tackles left and right for several yards before finally out-running the Bulls’ secondary to reach the end zone.

Chez Mellusi with a ridiculous 89-yard rushing touchdown to give Wisconsin a huge spark. He just shred the entire Buffalo defense pic.twitter.com/G8ptVAuIIx

— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) September 2, 2023

Looking back at the entire season, nothing compares to the athleticism that Chez put on display on that rush. It will be exciting to see him at Camp Randall for another year.

Most Entertaining Wisconsin Football Game: Illinois

Led by redshirt freshman quarterback Braedyn Locke in his first career start, the Badgers faced a lot of doubt ahead of their road matchup against Illinois in October.

Following a first-possession fumble and some lackluster drives, Wisconsin football entered the halftime break down 14-7 and even trailed by 14 at one point in the second half.

However, Locke shocked the conference with a stellar 18-point fourth-quarter performance to steal a 25-21 from Brett Bielema and the Fighting Illini on their turf. Even more thrilling, the Badgers took the lead via a touchdown pass to none other than offensive lineman Nolan Rucci with 27 seconds left on the clock.

The victory became an instant classic the moment the clock hit all zeros.

Best Play-Call: 3rd & 10 vs. Illinois

Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo showed a lot of guts in the fourth quarter of Wisconsin’s victory over Illinois this season.

With the game on the line and a touchdown necessary to take the lead, the staff called an inside run for Braelon Allen on 3rd & 10 near midfield, completely fooling the Illinois defense and putting the Badgers into dangerous field position for a first down. The play later led to Locke’s legendary touchdown pass to OL Rucci to win the game.

With full confidence, the Wisconsin Badgers football coaching staff put the game in their best offensive player’s hands — and it worked to perfection. That’s the kind of coach you want at the throne.

Turning Point for Wisconsin Football: Freedom Trophy

In their final home contest of the season, Wisconsin clashed with the Nebraska Cornhuskers with bowl eligibility on the line.

Despite Nebraska jumping out to an early 14-0 lead, the Badgers kept it tight throughout the remainder of the matchup, eventually forcing overtime by holding the Cornhuskers to a late field goal to tie the game.

Tanner Mordecai’s scrambling talent and witty decision-making led Wisconsin to a 24-17 lead, sealed by a Preston Zachman interception on fourth and long.

Wisconsin fought harder than night, completely swinging all momentum in their favor ahead of a tough matchup in Minnesota. Capped off by a victory in the following game, the Badgers team ended its 2023 season with a lot of pride — a sign of good things to come.

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