The Badger football team notched an impressive 34-7 victory over the Eastern Michigan Eagles Saturday night in Madison. UW looked strong on both sides of the ball, earning their first win of the season after a disappointing loss against Penn State last week.
Here are three things we learned from Wisconsin’s bounceback victory against Eastern Michigan.
#1: The Badgers are stacked at running back
Wisconsin certainly has no shortage of quality running backs, and that was on full display tonight at Camp Randall. The Badger RB’s combined for 355 yards on the ground and all four of UW’s touchdowns. Chez Mellusi, Jalen Berger, Isaac Guerendo, and Braelon Allen all scored for Bucky. It was a special night for the running backs, as a group and individually. Mellusi racked up over 100 yards.. in the first quarter. Jalen Berger saw his first action (and score!) of the season and did not disappoint. Isaac Guerendo exploded for an 82 yard TD, and Braelon Allen recorded his first collegiate touchdown. Brady Schipper, the fifth UW running back to take the field, was the only one who didn’t score, but he still put up solid numbers on his limited carries.
The Badger running backs put on a clinic tonight, showing that their depth is unmatched. Though it’s a good problem to have, they’ll all continue to battle each other for touches throughout the season. No matter whose hands the ball is in going forward, Badger fans can feel confident that UW will get the job done on the ground.
#2: The OL is much better than people thought after last week
The Badgers’ offensive line came into this game knowing they had to be better than they were against Penn State. And they were. They allowed only one sack on the night, which occurred with an empty backfield. QB Graham Mertz had plenty of time to make his throws all night, tremendously helping his rhythm, accuracy, and confidence. In addition, the OL paved the way for the running backs to rack up all those yards and touchdowns on the ground. It was a thoroughly dominant and statement performance from a group who needed to step up.
#3: The Wisconsin defense is for real
Welcome to Wisconsin football, where the offense gives up more points than the defense. After blowing coverage a few different times last week, the Badger defense came to play against Eastern Michigan, pitching a shutout. The Eagles’ lone points of the contest came off of a Chase Wolf interception that was returned 98 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Eastern Michigan finished with only 92 total yards — 16 on the ground and 76 through the air. Jim Leonard’s group looked sharp, hungry, confident, and ready to go tonight.
Let’s hope they can bring the same energy in two weeks when Bucky takes on Notre Dame in the highly anticipated matchup at Soldier Field!
Until then, Badger fans. On, Wisconsin!
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