Biggest Pregame Storylines for Wisconsin Football vs. Buffalo

As the anticipation for the Badgers return to the field reaches a fever pitch, all eyes turn to Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program, set to embark on a new era in Madison.

With the upcoming clash against Buffalo on September 2, the pregame storylines have set the stage for a riveting showdown that promises to send the offseason hype train off the rails.

Here’s a look at a few of the biggest pregame storylines heading into Saturday’s home opener vs. the Bulls.

Wisconsin Football Has a New Sheriff in Town 

Wisconsin went out and made the splash hire of the offseason when Chris McIntosh brought in former Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell to lead the program — and with that comes high expectations. 

Fickell is the only non-Power 5 head coach ever to take his team to the College Football Playoffs — and the Badgers forked over nearly $8 million per year to land him. Which means the athletic department decided it was time to swing for the fences and try to get over the proverbial hump before conference realignment takes place. 

Wisconsin football had a 20-13 record over the last three seasons — which simply wasn’t good enough. Chris McIntosh wants to compete for championships, and he believes Fickell is the man who can help the Badgers get there. 

Will Wisconsin finally get a seat at the big boy table? We’re about to find out.

Wisconsin Football Has a Completely New Offensive Identity

After three decades of pro-style, road grading, grind-it-out power running football, the new regime has decided to shake things up in a major way — specifically on offense.

Luke Fickell brought in offensive guru Phil Longo to install his “air raid” system in Madison. Although historically, Longo has a 50-50 run-pass play calling split — everything Wisconsin football runs will be out of the shotgun formation and played at a high tempo. 

The Badgers are running the d-AIR-y Raid offense to try and close the talent gap between them and the programs they’re chasing. If things go well and the offense cooks under Longo — watch out. 

Injury Update 

Wisconsin football suffered a handful of key injuries ahead of the season opener against Buffalo that are worth mentioning. 

In week one, the Badgers football team will be without starting tight end Riley Nowakowski, projected starting center Jake Renfro, and veteran defensive end Isaiah Mullens. 

Tight end was an already thin position heading into fall camp. Now, Wisconsin is counting on Hayden Rucci and Tucker Ashcraft to carry the load, which might be a lot to ask. 

Renfro’s injury forced Tanor Bortolini to remain at center (he’s probably best at guard) and elevate Joe Huber to the starting five. I’ll be interested to see how the unit gels together and if snapping will continue to be an issue. 

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