On Saturday afternoon, the Wisconsin Badgers took on the Buffalo Bulls, in the hottest game at Camp Randall Stadium ever on record. Peaking at 91 degrees in the first half, according to the FS1 commentary crew that broadcasted this game.
It was certainly hotter outside, then the Badgers offense was to start off the contest.
Tanner’s passable first half performance:
Tanner Mordecai, the transfer QB from SMU, had a mostly decent start in his Badgers debut.
His accuracy was good however, throwing 16/21 in the first half on one touchdown, and only one interception.
The issue wasn’t his ability to get the ball into his team’s hands, but rather the lack of any deep push in the new Air Raid offense.
Which wasn’t exactly raiding the air to start the game, given it only scored 14 points in the entire first half, versus a team from the Mid American Conference.
Not to mention the costly interception Tanner threw with 12:31 left in the second quarter on the Badgers own 46 yard line, while the game was still tied 7-7.
If not for the Badgers stout defense, and a missed Bulls field goal from 34 yards out, the interception very likely would have given the Bulls a 7, or at least a 3 point lead at this point in the contest.
However, after going into halftime only leading 14-10, things took a turn for the better.
Chez Mellusi soars for 89 yards:
In the very first Badgers offensive play of the second half, Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi, kicked off the second half in amazing fashion. Taking the ball 89 yards for a score, which was the play that turned the tide in Wisconsin’s favor.
After the score, the Badgers lead was increased to 21-10. After a quick 3 and out forced by the Badgers defense, they instantly go down on the very next drive and take a 28-10 lead.
The drive was 9 plays on 97 yards, and was capped off by a Braelon Allen rushing touchdown from 6 yards out.
The badgers went on to win the game 38-17, highlighted by another Braelon Allen touchdown run. This time from 22 yards out, with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter.
So, what’s the takeaway here?:
Nothing, there’s really nothing to take away from this game if we’re being honest. They started off slow, but ultimately they did what they’re supposed to do in the end. The defense did well to avoid any serious danger during the offense’s first half slow start.
The offense then came alive in the second half to do its job, and take care of business.
The only shocking thing that happened in this match-up, was the record high temperatures set at Camp Randall Stadium. The only thing to do now is to look ahead at the week 2 match-up on the road, versus Washington State next Saturday night.
