Wisconsin Football is officially back tomorrow! After nine months of a new coaching staff and new players in the program, we finally get to see it when it truly matters. The Badgers will take on the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 on FS1.
2023 is a brand new year for the Wisconsin Badgers. Can the Badgers start off the Luke Fickell era with a win or are they potentially on upset alert? Here is a preview of tomorrow’s game.
Will We See The Entirety Of The Wisconsin Football Air Raid Offense?
Arguably the biggest story-line of the off-season was the transformation of the Wisconsin offense. For years, the Badgers prided themselves on being a running first team. After hiring North Carolina offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his air raid offense, we are going to see the ball thrown around a lot more than we are used to.
I am looking to see how much of the air raid offense will we see. Will Longo unleash new starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai or will it be a work in progress? While the passing game gets the attention of the air raid offense, it’s important to know Longo also loves to to run the ball in this system as well. He’s had multiple 1,000 yard rushers during his time in Chapel Hill.
Last year, the Bulls gave up on average 168.7 yards a game on the ground. I think there’s a good chance Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi see a good chunk of action especially early. Look for both to have good games.
Look For The Wisconsin Football Defense To Make Buffalo Throw The Ball
Buffalo does return their starting quarterback from last season in Cole Snyder. Last year, Snyder threw for 3,030 yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. So why force them to throw the ball? There’s two reasons.
First, Buffalo lost their top three receivers from last season. There is only 376 total receiving yards returning from last years team. Just like Wisconsin has to get used to new receivers, so does Buffalo.
The second reason is the Bulls return their running back duo from last year as well. They will have a thunder and lightning pair of Mike Washington and Ron Cook Jr. The pair combined for over 1,200 yards and 12 total touchdowns last year. Expect Buffalo to establish the run game on the Wisconsin Football defense early as well.
Prediction
I can’t remember a season opening game for the Wisconsin Football program with this much hype since LSU came to Lambeau Field to open the 2016 season. This year, expectations are high for first year head coach Luke Fickell. Part of it likely has to do with the Big Ten West as it seems a little easier. It also could with the additions of USC and UCLA coming to the Big Ten next year. Either way, this year seems like a Big Ten West title or bust for this Wisconsin Football team.
The crowd will be loud and it will be a sell out too. There’s no fans will be hyped up and the players will be able to feel that energy. It’s important Wisconsin tempers the emotions and play their style of football.
I think Wisconsin looks to run the ball early. With a new staring quarterback and an experienced running back and offensive line, I think Tanner Mordecai slowly gets involved in the game. Let Braelon Allen do what he does best early.
This is an experienced Buffalo team on both sides of the ball. After finishing 7-6 last year, they are looking to improve and be a MAC contender.
I think it’s too much Wisconsin in the second half. I can see this being a close game at intermission, but the talent of this team is too much for Buffalo after halftime. I think this Wisconsin Football team rolls in the second half and begins the Luke Fickell era with a win tomorrow.
Wisconsin 35 Buffalo 10
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
