Wisconsin Football RB Braelon Allen Made Coach ‘Proud’ on Senior Day

Following the game against Nebraska, Wisconsin football head coach Luke Fickell confirmed to reporters that Badgers star running back Braelon Allen was expected to sit out Week 12 due to a lingering injury. 

However, the junior tailback pushed through and contributed immensely to the team’s victory that clinched bowl eligibility on Senior Day. 

“To be honest, I’m proud of him,” Fickell said after the game. “I didn’t expect him to play. Not that he didn’t do some stuff this week or things like that. But I just kind of said, Hey, let’s just assume he’s not. And if by chance he can, then, you know, he’s going to have to kind of tap us on the shoulder and really push us to say, Hey, I want to be in there. 

“And you know what, I think he didn’t play in the first maybe series or two. And I think he was really chomping at the bit there to push us and get him in the ball game. And that makes me proud of what he did. And we know he didn’t feel perfect, but he’s one of those other guys that showed me a lot tonight that I think he was much better when we got down. And that’s something we needed.” 

Wisconsin Football Got a Gritty Performance From Braelon Allen 

Braelon Allen has struggled with injuries throughout his career with the Wisconsin football program, and this season has been no different. 

Yet, his determination to honor the seniors, achieve bowl eligibility, and create a lasting memory in what might be his final game at Camp Randall Stadium all played a role in his gritty performance.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound tailback carried the ball 22 times, tallying 22 yards alongside two touchdowns, most notably his game-deciding 3-yard touchdown during overtime. This critical score propelled the Badgers to a remarkable 24-17 comeback win after trailing 14-0.

Look at that pile move. 😲@BadgerFootball RB @BraelonAllen gets in for 6️⃣ on the first possession of OT.

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/ABcJwXXhsn

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 19, 2023

Expressing surprise at Allen’s availability, Fickell acknowledged that the running back’s efforts were beyond expectations. The head coach also highlighted Allen’s impact during challenging moments in the game, providing a crucial lift for the Wisconsin football team.

Despite averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, Allen emerged as Wisconsin’s leading rusher against one of the nation’s top rushing defenses — and helped put the Badgers over the edge. If this was, in fact, Agent 0’s last game at Camp Randall — it was certainly one to remember.

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