The Wisconsin Badgers responded to last week’s loss in a major way, which we knew they would. New Mexico State Football is probably the worst team Wisconsin will face all year, and they showed it today. The Badgers handled business today 66-7. Here are three things from the win.
Badgers Backfield Proves They’re the Nation’s Best Against New Mexico State Football
I have gone on record before this game against New Mexico State Football about Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen being the best running back duo in all of college football. Well, now it’s time to label the best trio and add Isaac Guerendo into that mix.
Guerendo missed most of last season with an injury, so it was easy to forget how impactful he can be for this Wisconsin Badgers backfield and special teams. He started the day with a 50-yard kick return to jumpstart the offense. Guerendo also is a very valuable receiving back and is a little more shifty of a back. Guerendo would join Allen with three rushing touchdowns.
Braelon Allen continues to show why he is in the conversation for best running back in all of college football. The 18-year-old ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns in just the first half against New Mexico State Football.
Hat trick COMPLETE ✅
That's 3️⃣ TDs for @BraelonAllen…in the FIRST HALF 🤩 pic.twitter.com/aZKvII7sfZ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 17, 2022
Mellusi also missed some time last season with a knee injury. But, he certainly looks to be back and fully healthy. He added in 67 yards and a touchdown to the monster first half from the backfield. In total, 24 carries for 165 yards and four touchdowns. That’s an impressive average of 6.9 yards per carry.
Big Play Defense Shows Up Against New Mexico State Football
Jim Leonhard noted that they would challenge their defense against New Mexico State Football with many one-on-one matchups this week. Especially for the younger players and transfers, it’s a great way to get some reps playing aggressively. This paid off immediately as redshirt Freshman Ricardo Hallman came away with an awesome one-handed interception.
Probably could have been called for pass interference, but a helluva interception by Ricardo Hallman. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/QQVAM3vLt0
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 17, 2022
Up until the last drive of the first half, the Wisconsin Badgers’ defense had given up just 15 yards in total. The defense was flying around and playing aggressively. Latu and Turner both had helmet trouble after hitting so hard. Njongmeta added an interception of his own, and the defense was pitching a shutout in the first half.
Looking Ahead
I’m impressed with this Wisconsin team. Not for beating an inferior New Mexico State Football team, but for avoiding a trap game. This had all the makings for a trap game, considering next Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers will have their hardest game of the year at Ohio State.
It would have been easy for the Badgers to look ahead at the Buckeyes and find themselves not prepared for today. They did the complete opposite and were locked into this one from the very start. There is no time to be too excited about this win because they will need a great week of practice to get ready for Ohio State.
I’m especially looking forward to next week and how Graham Mertz plays following this blowout of New Mexico State Football. He clearly looks more comfortable this season and has thrown for 200+ yards in three straight games for the first time in his career. Can Mertz continue his play against one of the best teams in the country?
Follow me on Twitter @gamble_griffin3 for all Wisconsin Badgers game recaps, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics . Click below to read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
