Wisconsin Badgers Impress in Season Opener Under Coach Luke Fickell
The Wisconsin Badgers showcased a dominant performance in their season opener against the Buffalo Bulls, securing a convincing 38-17 victory in Madison on Saturday. This marked the debut of new head coach Luke Fickell, who instantly made his mark on the team.
From the moment they took the field, the Badgers displayed a new-look offense that captivated fans’ attention. They exclusively utilized the shotgun formation and primarily operated in a no-huddle style. Their offensive prowess was evident early on, as they embarked on an impressive 73-yard drive on their second possession, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run by Chez Mellusi.
Buffalo did not back down, with veteran quarterback Cole Snyder leading the charge. The Bulls quickly responded with a five-play drive that resulted in seven-yard touchdown pass from Snyder to Cole Harrity, leveling the score at 7-7.
However, the first half proved to be a challenging battle for the Badgers. Starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai threw an interception, which led to a missed field goal by Buffalo. Both teams struggled to find success on offense until Mordecai connected with Chimere Dike for a 29-yard touchdown just before halftime, allowing the Badgers to take a 14-10 lead. Buffalo managed to kick a late field goal, resulting in a halftime score of 14-10 in favor of Wisconsin.
The halftime break marked a turning point in the game. Wisconsin gained momentum and took control of proceedings. On a single play drive from their own 11-yard line, Mellusi capitalized on an opportunity and sprinted for an 89-yard touchdown. This extended the Badgers’ lead to 21-10.
The Badgers continued to unleash their potent running game, unleashing Braelon Allen. The young talent, hailing from Fond du Lac, showcased his skills with a six-yard touchdown run on an eight-play drive. This firmly solidified Wisconsin’s control over the game, and they added a field goal shortly before the third quarter concluded, pushing their lead to 31-10.
In the fourth quarter, Wisconsin faced a setback as Mordecai threw his second interception of the game. Buffalo’s Shaun Dolac capitalized on the opportunity, giving the Bulls favorable field position. In just three plays, Snyder found Harrity for their second touchdown connection of the game, slicing Wisconsin’s lead to 14.
Attempting an onside kick for a comeback, Buffalo’s efforts were in vain as Wisconsin gained excellent field position. The Badgers wasted no opportunity and handed the ball to Allen for three consecutive plays, resulting in a 22-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 38-17, which remained the final score.
Mellusi proved to be a standout performer, racking up an impressive 157 rushing yards on just 13 carries. Allen also showcased his talent, accumulating 141 yards on 19 carries. Both running backs contributed two touchdowns each. Mordecai, despite the interceptions, finished the game with 182 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 22 completions out of 29 attempts.
With this resounding victory, the nineteenth-ranked Wisconsin Badgers start their season on a positive note and provide Coach Luke Fickell with a memorable debut. The team now looks ahead to their next challenge, a road game against Washington State on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
