Football

Wisconsin Football Defeats Buffalo 38-17: Three Big Takeaways

Published

3 weeks ago

September 2, 2023

Wisconsin football; Badgers head coach Luke Fickell

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell celebrates with wide wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) following a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin football finally played its long-anticipated opener of the Luke Fickell era. With offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s promises of a high-flying offense, fans have been buzzing about the Badgers for months. Although the Cardinal and White prevailed against the Buffalo Bulls, the victory did not come without some hiccups along the way.

The Badgers never trailed the Bulls, but only held a 14-10 lead at the half. A UW team with high expectations got off to a sputtering start before outgaining Buffalo 205 to 53 yards in the third quarter to pull away. With an impressive quarter, there are positive takeaways, but Fickell will have plenty of mistakes to correct.

Tanner Mordecai Struggles in Debut for Wisconsin Football

Tanner Mordecai arrived in Madison with tremendous expectations. The fifth-year quarterback was immediately named the starter after two years as QB1 for the SMU Mustangs. Following a subpar performance at UW’s spring game, he struggled throughout his regular season debut as a Badger.

Wisconsin football quarterback Tanner Mordecai

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Mordecai finished the day with only 189 passing yards on 31 attempts. His 6.1 yards per attempt left much to be desired – Iowa’s underwhelming 2022 offense recorded 6.0 yards per attempt. The Wisconsin football captain also recorded two interceptions – and nearly gave up a third. Late in the fourth quarter, Buffalo cornerback Clevester Hines III disrupted a Mordecai pass attempt thrown directly his way, but Mordecai caught the ball as it ricocheted back to himself for a five-yard loss.

Despite completing 77.4% of his passes, the signal caller was inaccurate at times. UW’s first drive stalled after Mordecai underthrew wide receiver Bryson Green on a quick curl. On a similar route run by WR Chimere Dike, Mordecai’s pass was tipped at the line.

The Badgers Can Still Run the Damn Ball

While struggling through the air, Wisconsin football displayed its prowess on the ground. The Badgers gained 314 yards on 40 attempts – nearly eight yards per carry.

Wisconsin football running back Braelon Allen

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

UW running backs Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen rushed for 157 and 141 yards, respectively. Each finished the day with two rushing touchdowns as well. Mellusi shined, posting the fifth-longest touchdown run in program history with an 89-yard scamper midway through the third quarter.

This @chez_mellusi 89-yard TD run is tied for the 5th-longest by a @BadgerFootball player all-time. ⚡️@TIAA x #WinWithAPurpose pic.twitter.com/DMNq8mA6Gm

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

On the subsequent drive, Wisconsin football went 97 yards in just 2:37 for a touchdown. The eight-play series could have served as a highlight reel for Allen, who capped it off with a six-yard scamper for the score. Responsible for 62 of the drive’s yardage, Agent 0 used all of his 245 pounds to break a handful of tackles on a 37-yard run to set up his own touchdown.

Wisconsin Football Has Big Question Marks on Defense

Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s unit looked better as the game went on, but the Badgers struggled on defense for much of the day. Much like Mordecai’s, the defense’s struggles could simply be growing pains, but they could be cause for concern. After all, Buffalo is a Mid-American Conference team with just as many new starters and new coordinators as UW.

The Bulls’ first touchdown drive came with the help of two breakdowns in Wisconsin’s secondary. First, Badgers corner Alexander Smith was burned on a double move by Buffalo WR Darrell Harding Jr. for a 51-yard reception. Smith did recover to make the tackle at the eight-yard line, but it only delayed the damage. Two plays later, Bulls QB Cole Snyder completed a TD pass to WR Cole Harrity. Harrity was wide open in the end zone after UW safety Kamo’i Latu was fooled on a smash concept. In the fourth quarter, Wisconsin CB Travian Blaylock was beaten by Harrity on a similar route to the back corner of the endzone for another touchdown.

Up front, Wisconsin football failed to generate pressure on Snyder most of the game. The defense did, however, hold up when it mattered most. The Badgers did not record a sack all game and gave Snyder a clean pocket throughout the first half. Whether through attrition, talent, or skill, the defensive line improved in the second half. On the day, Wisconsin’s defense allowed Buffalo to convert only 2 of 15 third down attempts and one of four attempts on fourth down.

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Football

Wisconsin Badgers Football: What Are We DOIN Here?!

Published

52 mins ago

September 23, 2023

Jason Long

Wisconsin Badgers Football head coach Luke Fickell vs. Purdue

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks to an official during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team has been betting favorites in all four games this season, and after suffering a week two loss at Wazzou, the boys have bounced back nicely with back-to-back wins.

Last week on the BadgerNotes After Dark Pod with Coop and Dillon (shameless plug, like, follow, subscribe, comment), I told the fellas that I am just too angry while watching the games when it comes to the Badgers and how they’re playing. I wanted to go into this Purdue game level-headed, as a new man with a positive attitude toward the team.

I’ve found new targets to shift my annoyed, pent-up anger towards.

Wisconsin Football What Are We Doin Here Moment of the Week

As I sat watching the Wisconsin Badgers football team win both games by multiple scores while being incredibly unsettled every time the defense was on the field.

I couldn’t help but notice the announcers damn near cheering for the other team. I get that to some extent when a small dog like Georgia Southern hangs around with a Power Five team. But the entire second half of the Purdue game, we had to listen to Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman be overly excited at every chunk play Purdue had.

Brando was lobbying for a Touchdown at the end of the game for Purdue and was comfortable being completely wrong about it. You would have thought the Pennsylvania School of The Blind was beating up on IMG Academy the way these guys were giddy anytime Purdue moved the sticks.

I’m a sucker for a Cinderella Story, a junkie for a +500 bet, and an absolute slut for an upset.

But, fellas, Wisconsin football & Purdue are BIG Ten opponents in a week-four bout. The spread was less than a touchdown at kickoff. What are we DOIN here?!

The Badgers didn’t play as well in the second half because they played damn near perfect in the first half. So, I’m sure I am overreacting about this. But I’m playing into Wisconsin football vs. The World right now, and nobody is safe from these Twitter fingers.

Brando – Tillman, looking at you boys. Respectfully, What are we DOIN here!?

Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

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Football

Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

Published

7 hours ago

September 23, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers running back Chez Mellusi suffers devastating injury

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) is taken off the field in a cart after suffering an injury during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin football program has been hit hard by a gut-wrenching twist of fate, with Badgers sixth-year running back Chez Mellusi suffering what appears to be a season-ending injury.

Our thoughts are with @chez_mellusi and @BadgerFootball. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMo3QKaSUX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2023

The news has left both the team and fans in shock and has raised questions about the team’s running back depth moving forward.

Mellusi, who returned for a sixth season to make a significant impact on the team, had been a crucial part of the Badgers’ offense. His experience and versatility provided a valuable dimension to the team’s running game, making him a key asset for Head Coach Luke Fickell.

In all likelihood, Mellusi will finish the season with 40 carries for 268 yards (6.7 YPC) and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound tailback also caught two passes for 14 yards.

Wisconsin Football Faces Uncertain Future Without Chez Mellusi

The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the game, leaving Chez Mellusi visibly shaken, and he was carted off the field, surrounded by his teammates. It was a stark reminder of the physical toll that football can take on even the most dedicated and talented athletes.

While the full extent of Mellusi’s injury hasn’t been disclosed, the ole eye test suggests it could be a season-ending setback. Wisconsin football now has a significant void to fill in their running back rotation.

One of the critical challenges facing Luke Fickell and his coaching staff is finding a suitable replacement for Mellusi. His unique skill set and experience will not be easily replicated, and the team will be forced to rely on converted fullback Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.

The loss of Mellusi is not just a blow to the team’s on-field performance but also a heartbreak for a player who had worked tirelessly to contribute to the Badgers’ success.

As the Wisconsin football team navigates this challenging period, the focus now shifts to rallying together and finding a way to continue their season on a positive note. The road ahead is undoubtedly more arduous without Mellusi, but adversity has a way of uniting a team and bringing out their best.

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Football

Wisconsin Football Defeats Purdue: Here’s What Stood Out

Published

9 hours ago

September 22, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers QB Tanner Mordecai and Bryson Green

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) after running for a touchdown during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

In their Big Ten opener at Ross-Ade Stadium, Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program (3-1, 1-0 B1G) secured a 38-17 victory over Purdue (1-3, 0-1 B1G), extending the Badgers winning streak against the Boilermakers to an unprecedented 17 consecutive games.

Here are a few things that stood out from the Wisconsin Badgers week four victory over Ryan Walters and the Purdue Boilermakers.

Wisconsin Football Utilized Tanner Mordecai as a Dual-Threat QB on Friday Night

Wisconsin football needed to get off to a fast start after three consecutive subpar first-half performances, and the Badgers offense answered by jumping out to a 14-0 start behind the legs of quarterback Tanner Mordecai.

He finished the game with 14 carries, amassing 58 yards and scoring twice on the ground while also completing 63% of his passes for 174 yards & one interception.

1st TD in the 📚

pic.twitter.com/x59Kfa253t

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 22, 2023

While Mordecai’s performance wasn’t flawless, his ability to create plays with his legs did help create running opportunities for Braelon Allen. As a result, Allen carried the ball 16 times, racking up 116 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

This new dynamic clearly caught Purdue off guard and played a crucial role in providing the much-needed quick start for the Wisconsin football offense.

Wisconsin Football Just Became Real Thin at Running Back

Chez Mellusi‘s return for a sixth season has had a significant impact on the Badger offense.

Thriving in Phil Longo’s system, Mellusi entered the game as Wisconsin’s leading rusher. Unfortunately, he sustained what appeared to be a significant injury in the fourth quarter, likely marking the end of his collegiate career.

Our thoughts are with @chez_mellusi and @BadgerFootball. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMo3QKaSUX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2023

With Mellusi out of the picture, Wisconsin football will now turn to converted fullback Jackson Acker and presumably Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.

Due to Allen’s injury history, the new coaching staff intended to restrict his number of carries to safeguard his health. Now, Luke Fickell must determine whether they are still willing to adhere to this plan without a 1B tailback at his disposal.

This is a difficult situation for Wisconsin football in general, but it’s especially tough for Mellusi personally. I hope he makes a full recovery because it’s always disheartening to witness a player’s college career conclude in such a manner.

Prayers up.

Other Wisconsin Badgers Musings

Jack Nelson had another brutal game with at least three penalties. I’m not sure what’s going on right now — but I’m shocked at how poor and undisciplined the Stoughton native has been through four games.

***

Wisconsin football found themselves a kicker. Nathaniel Vakos is now 7-for-7 on the season, and it looks like he’s the best placekicking option the Badgers have had since Rafael Gaglianone.

***

CJ Williams put together the best game of his Badgers career — which was great to see — finishing with five catches for 56 yards. It was an encouraging sign for the passing attack moving forward.

***

The University of Wisconsin football program might not have a terrific defensive line this year — but James Thompson Jr. is most definitely a dude for the Badgers. He finished with six tackles, 2.0 TFLs, a sack, plus a pass-breakup.