Rome wasn’t built in a game. On a national level, Wisconsin hasn’t been discussed much in the offseason, and with solid reason. Many new faces dot the lineup on a team that only went 7-6 last season. There seems to be more questions than answers about the 2024 squad. But, that ratio shifts as games are played, and this season, 2nd year head coach Luke Fickell will have plenty of tests that eliminate the question marks.
Western Michigan came into Madison on a Friday night with hopes of stunning the Badgers in prime time. An abbreviated pregame and tailgating scene commenced as fans clocking out of work hustled to Camp Randall to pack the bleachers. Late in the third quarter, the Broncos looked poised to stun the crowd under the lights when a fake field goal set them up for a go ahead touchdown bringing the score to 14-13.
A deflated crowd still managed to execute a raucous “jump around” that perhaps fueled the Badgers in the 4th quarter. A stalled Wisconsin drive led to a fortuitous bounce on the ensuing punt that jutted up and off a Bronco backside and into the arms of a Badger. Senior QB transfer, Tyler Van Dyke, made sure to take advantage of the opportunity as he led Wisconsin to two scores that closed the game at 28-14.
Uninspiring football? Yes. But, accurate judgements cannot be made on week one. Most importantly for the Badger faithful, the packed Camp Randall crowd left with a win and shreds of optimism to pocket for next week.
