Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. Buffalo Bulls

Only two days remain until the Wisconsin Football team opens their season against the Buffalo Bulls. I can’t remember a season opening game with this much hype and anticipation since the Badgers took down LSU at Lambeau Field to open the 2016 season.

Right now, the Badgers are 28 point favorites against the Bulls. While they are heavy favorites, they still need to go out and execute to come out with a win. In order to do that, here my keys to a 1-0 start this Saturday.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #1- Establish the Run

Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half of the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Some of you might be thinking why would the Badgers do this? It’s call the air raid offense for a reason. While you are right, Phil Longo’s air raid offense likes to incorporate the running game as well. During Longo’s time at North Carolina, players like Michael Carter and Javonte Williams ran for over 1,000 yards in the same season.

It’s also going to take some time to get the passing portion of the offense in sync. Wisconsin is fortunate to have one of the best running backs in the country in Braelon Allen and a solid backup in Chez Mellusi. They can run the ball and not necessarily force Tanner Mordecai to throw the ball early and often.

The Bulls also gave up 168.7 yards a game on the ground last season. This seems like a recipe for success to run the ball early and slowly bring in the passing game.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #2- Control the Emotions

Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) celebrates after making an interception against the Maryland Terrapins during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

There’s no doubt Camp Randall Stadium is going to full of energy Saturday. It’s a new era of Wisconsin Football with a new head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and essentially a brand new staff.

Most fans want results right away. In some way, there is a lot of pressure on this new coaching staff. They were successful in the transfer portal and are looked at as the favorite to win the Big Ten West.

I imagine there’s going to be nerves from the players. if Wisconsin can control the emotions of this game and the crowd, they should be just fine.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #3- Keep It Simple Stupid (Kiss)

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches a drill during fall training camp at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

This seems easier said than done. However, a new crowd, a new team, and a new era can be a recipe for a major upset if the Badgers are not careful. Please know I am not predicting an upset in this game. I think the Badgers football team rolls.

However, anytime a team walks into a stadium they are not expected to win in, they have no pressure. All the pressure on this game is on this Wisconsin Football team.

If Wisconsin sticks to the fundamentals on both sides and stays disciplined in all three phases, they shouldn’t have a problem with Buffalo. I would not be surprised if we saw trick plays from the Bulls and anything to get Wisconsin off track. Assuming the Badgers play fundamental football, there will be no upset this weekend.

Wisconsin Football Early Opponent Preview: Buffalo Bulls

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