It was another back and forth battle for Wisconsin football on Saturday. The Badgers defeated South Dakota 27-13 to improve to 2-0 on the 2024 season. Overall, the offense was better early on, but stalled again in the second and third quarters, scoring only three points. The Coyotes got as close as 17-13, but Wisconsin football scored the final 10 points to secure the win. Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s win.
Wisconsin Football Started Much Better on Offense
The Wisconsin football offense wasted no time getting on the scoreboard Saturday, They scored on their first and third possessions. The first possession was seven plays while the third was three plays that resulted in a 50 yard touchdown pass from Tyler Van Dyke to C.J. Williams. It was a beautiful fake that resulted in Williams being wide open.
The competition from these FCS teams are much better than they used to be, Even 10 years ago, it was an expectation to score in five or less plays at times. Now? It can be awhile before these teams hit the end zone. I really liked the start to this game and I believe that is something this offense needed and can build on.
Special Teams and Third Quarter Almost Costed Another Game
After Wisconsin football fell for a fake field goal that ended in a Western Michigan touchdown and 14-13 deficit last week, the Badgers special teams had another hiccup. At a time in the game where momentum was leaning towards South Dakota following a touchdown, Vinny Anthony muffed a punt inside the 10 yard line that was recovered by the Coyotes. It was headed towards a 17-17 tie.
Thankfully, the Wisconsin football defense stood their ground and got a third down sack from Elijah Hills. The Coyotes converted a field goal to make the score 17-13, but it felt like the momentum went back towards the Badgers. It ended up being the case as they went down the field and got a 51 yard field goal from Nathanial Vakos.
It’s Looking to be a Long Afternoon Against Alabama Next Week
I, like most Wisconsin football fans, expected the Badgers to roll through these first two game headed into the Alabama game. I won’t go as far as saying the Badgers would beat the Crimson Tide, but I thought they could give Alabama a 60 minute fight.
Right now? I don’t see it happening. It’s a little puzzling why this team, who returns a ton of production from last year, has started out slow the first two games. I give South Dakota credit as they are one of the top teams in FCS, but it’s been a conservative approach on the offensive side so far.
I am not one to expect blowouts, but I would have thought this Wisconsin football team, who is playing a lot of upper-classmen, would have ran away with these games. Instead, it’s been a one point game or a four game entering the fourth quarter. Credit the Badgers for playing great in both fourth quarters, but they have stalled in the third quarter in each game. When you have a team like Alabama coming in, that doesn’t magically change. It will likely be a problem this weekend.
Right now, I think the Badgers put up a good first half fight, but Alabama will likely run away with this game in the third quarter. This team hasn’t done anything to change that opinion yet.
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