Wisconsin Badgers Secure Victory Over Competitive Broncos

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 Wisconsin Badgers frustrated fans with their lack of explosive plays, struggles on the offensive line and inconsistent pass rush. Despite a 28-14 win over Western Michigan on Aug. 30 at Camp Randall, those issues persist for this year's team. Wisconsin (1-0) dodged multiple bullets, benefiting from timely fumble recoveries and missed interception opportunities by Broncos (0-1) defenders.

Game Summary

The first half began just as Wisconsin envisioned, forcing a three-and-out by Western Michigan before the Badgers’ offense drove 63 yards on 16 plays. However, kicker Nathanial Vakos missed a 36-yard field goal wide right, keeping the score at 0-0. After another Broncos punt, the Badgers put together a second 16-play drive, capped off by Chez Mellusi’s impressive 9-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead.

In a half marked by long drives, the Broncos responded in the second quarter with their own 16-play, 78-yard drive, ending in a 1-yard TD run on fourth-and-goal by running back Jalen Buckley. Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke then led a 59-yard drive, capped by a 33-yard field goal from Vakos, giving the Badgers a 10-7 halftime lead.

Wisconsin opened the second half with a 14-play drive but settled for a 23-yard field goal from Vakos, extending their lead to 13-7. On the next possession, Van Dyke fumbled, and the Broncos recovered at the Badgers' 34-yard line. Western Michigan needed six plays to cover the distance, finishing with a 1-yard TD run by Buckley to take a 14-13 lead.

The Broncos forced a Wisconsin punt after just five plays on the next drive. However, the game-changing turnover occurred when the punt hit a Western Michigan player, and the Badgers recovered at the Broncos' 20-yard line. Four plays later, Wisconsin regained the lead with a 6-yard TD run by running back Tawee Walker and maintained control from there. The Badgers added another TD in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run by Van Dyke, sealing the 28-14 victory.

Turning Point for Wisconsin

Western Michigan had all the momentum, a 14-13 lead, and was poised to go back on offense when disaster struck. Wisconsin punter Atticus Bertrams’ kick landed at the Broncos' 23-yard line and strangely bounced backward into cornerback DaShon Bussell. Badgers safety Austin Brown quickly pounced on the ball, securing the fumble recovery. Wisconsin scored the game-winning TD shortly after, shattering the Broncos' upset hopes.

What It Means

Wisconsin is fortunate to escape with a win, benefiting from several instances where turnovers were narrowly averted. Van Dyke made multiple throws that were nearly intercepted, and wide receiver Trech Kekahuna's fumble on a fourth-quarter kickoff had the potential to be disastrous if the Broncos recovered.

With Alabama coming to town in two weeks, the Badgers have even more questions to address than they did before the game.

Western Michigan wasn’t dominant statistically, but they played hard and their coaches were aggressive with their play-calling. They ran a fake field goal, featuring a quick toss to kicker Palmer Domschke, who scrambled 26 yards to the Wisconsin 4-yard line.

As the season unfolds, this game will likely be remembered more for Wisconsin’s lack of focus and execution than the Broncos’ efforts. The road gets much tougher for Western Michigan, as they head to Columbus next week to face the Ohio State Buckeyes.