Studs and Duds: Wisconsin Football ‘Walks’ Past Scarlet Knights

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Badgers football team has walked away with yet another win after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Madison.

Wisconsin has had quite the interesting start to the season thus far as Head Coach Luke Fickell continues to build his culture. Off the field, Wisconsin has had plenty of success developing themselves into a recruiting threat. On the field, however, the Badgers have struggled to find and create their own identity.

During the recent victory over Rutgers, it was more of the same for the Badgers. The Wisconsin football team was able to secure a 24-13 win over the visiting Scarlet Knights. However, the Badgers struggled to look good while doing so at times. Regardless of the recent results, the key for the team has been winning football games.

Wisconsin Football Takes Down Visiting Scarlet Knights With Strong Rushing Attack 

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin football team faced off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Madison with hopes of blowing out the opposition. After an exceptional pick-six by corner back Ricardo Hallman, the Badgers led 17-0 heading into halftime. Wisconsin only scored once more after tight end Tucker Ashcraft hauled in a 3-yard touchdown to cap off a 15-play drive. The Badgers were able to get new faces with plenty of action against Rutgers, which makes this edition of ‘Studs and Duds’ a rather special one as two new faces make the list.

Badgers Studs: Jackson Acker, Will Pauling, Ricardo Hallman 

For the first time this season, Sophomore running back Jackson Acker was able to get significant touches. Unfortunately, it took an injury to starter Chez Mellusi for his opportunity to come. Regardless, Acker looked comfortable running the football against the Scarlet Knights with 65 yards on the ground. Wisconsin was struggling to run the ball against Rutgers until Acker broke multiple tackles on a 14-yard rush that ignited the ground game.

Wide Receiver Will Pauling has been working hard all season for the Wisconsin football team. While Pauling may not be the top receiving option for the Badgers, the receiver never fails to create space. Receivers are known for saying they are “always open”, but Pauling is a player that can confidently say so. Against Rutgers, Pauling hauled in eight receptions for 68 yards as the Scarlet Knights struggled to stop him.

On the defensive side of the ball, there is not much debate as corner back Ricardo Hallman is a definite ‘stud’ with his performance. Rutgers drove down the field and aimed to score before the half. Hallman had other plans as he scored for the Badgers, which ultimately seemed to take the momentum away from Rutgers. The Wisconsin football team limited the big plays for Rutgers in the second half of play.

Wisconsin Football Duds: Maema Njongmeta, Hayden Rucci, Alexander Smith 

Nobody likes to kick a man while he is down, but linebacker Maema Njongmeta has not looked like himself since his injury. Not only has Njongmeta not been as effective as he usually is, but even just watching him play looks different. The Senior linebacker has 18 tackles and one sack thus far which puts him on pace for a 76 tackle season, nearly 22 less than a year ago.

For tight end Hayden Rucci, this season has been rather interesting thus far. Rucci has struggled to put everything together after being placed into the starting position when Clay Cundiff left the program. Rucci has a fumble against Rutgers and was responsible for the lone offensive penalty the Badgers’ committed.

Wisconsin football corner back Alexander Smith had a game to forget against Rutgers as the Scarlet Knights receivers flew past the defender. Smith allowed four receptions on six targets for 69 yards and one touchdown. Rutgers averaged 17.3 yards per reception each time they targeted Smith.

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