Wisconsin Football Report Card From the 28-14 Win Over Minnesota

The Wisconsin football program finished out the regular season on a high note, defeating Minnesota 28-14 and reclaiming possession of Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Badgers are now 63-62-8 in the all-time series against the Gophers.

Here are my grades for Wisconsin’s offense, defense, and special teams from the statement win.

Wisconsin Football Offense Grade: A

The Badgers picked a good time to put up one of the best offensive performances of the season. Sure, Minnesota’s defense isn’t anything special, but seeing Wisconsin put all the pieces together was a very welcome sight. 

Take a bow, Braelon Allen. The junior tailback rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, finishing with an average of 6.3 yards per carry. He also finished as UW’s leader in receptions, hauling in three catches for 27 yards. This could be Allen’s last game as a Badger, and he put on a show. Allen ran with a purpose and looked the healthiest he had all season. If this is it for Agent 0, what a way to go out.

Tanner Mordecai flashed through the air and on the ground, throwing for 145 yards and two touchdowns while tacking on 69 rushing yards. He did throw an interception, but overall, the sixth-year senior was dealing. 

There wasn’t a standout pass-catcher, as five players finished with two receptions. However, Will Pauling once again found his way into the endzone, and Riley Nowakowski scored his first touchdown of the season. Pauling will be back next year for Wisconsin, and I have little doubt he will be the Badgers WR1 once again.

I’ve been as critical as anyone about the offensive line, but I have to tip my cap after this performance. Wisconsin’s o-line didn’t commit a single penalty on Saturday while providing some solid protection for Tanner Mordecai and creating holes for Braelon Allen. Round of applause for the big guys in the trenches.

Wisconsin Badgers Defense Grade: B+

Mike Tressel and company couldn’t avoid a slow start — surprise, surprise — but it was a solid performance overall from the defense. 

The Badgers limited Minnesota to just 286 total yards on the day while limiting the Gophers to 119 yards on the ground. The run defense turned the corner a bit in the final stretch, and it was great to see that momentum continue. 

Nyzier Fourqurean’s two costly pass interference penalties bring this grade down. The former Grand Valley State transfer has had a tough few weeks, but I still think UW has something in him. 

Ricardo Hallman, on the other hand, kept up his hot streak by grabbing his sixth interception of the year while logging two tackles and a pass deflection. The redshirt sophomore has been one of the biggest risers this season, and having him back next year will be huge for the Badgers secondary. 

Hunter Wohler had himself a day in what could be his final game in a Wisconsin football uniform. The Muskego logged a team-high 12 tackles, including five solo tackles. I selfishly hope to see him return for another season, but Wohler has really shined this year and could end up being a draft selection this spring.

Wisconsin Football Special Teams Grade: B-

Nathanial Vakos hit all four of his extra-point attempts on Saturday afternoon, but that wasn’t the highlight. The former Freshman All-American had an awesome moment where he planted the Wisconsin flag on Minnesota’s field. He transferred in during the off-season, but he fits right in. 

Nathanial Vakos out here planting the “W” flag. pic.twitter.com/LILYWMjk05

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) November 26, 2023

Vinny Anthony has proven to be a solid returner since his number was called when Chimere Dike was down. The sophomore logged 27 yards on three punt returns and a 21-yard kickoff return. It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but he was serviceable once again.

Atticus Bertrams had some solid punts, but it was another middle-of-the-road performance for the Australia native. 

The Wisconsin football program finished the first regular season under Luke Fickell at 7-5. They Badgers will now wait to find out who they will play in their bowl game next month.

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