The Wisconsin football offense is looking for a bit of a rebound from last season. Under first year offensive coordinator Phil Longo, the offense showed flashes of what it’s intended to do. However, for the most part, the offense looked clunky and out of sorts at times. In year 2, the offense should be cleaner and more organized. Here are four x-factors I think will make or break the Wisconsin football offense in 2024.
Wisconsin Football X-Factor: Tyler Van Dyke
Any successful offense starts with good quarterback play. Tyler Van Dyke is a seasoned veteran in his last year of college football. Like Tanner Mordecai a season ago, Van Dyke has to understand this offense fast. He will play a big role in how this Wisconsin football offense rolls this season.
Mordecai was a fantastic leader last year and I expect Van Dyke to be the same. He will have to be smart with the football and keep this offense on the field for long periods of time. While there might be some form of a competition in fall camp, I would be shocked if Van Dyke was not the Wisconsin football quarterback when the season opens up against Western Michigan.
Phil Longo
Uwgrid Phil Longo Jan 5 2023
At the end of the day, this is Longo’s offense and he has full control over it. This is a big year for the Wisconsin football offensive coordinator, in my opinion. It was a young offense last year in a new scheme. With most of those young players returning, it will be on Longo to make sure this offense is running right away.
I really like the offense Longo brings. After seeing what they did against Buffalo to begin last year, it’s not a true air raid offense. This offense can have success running the ball. I expect a good mixture of both to start the season.
Chez Mellusi
Mellusi has had some bad luck with season ending injuries each of the last few seasons. When Mellusi is on the field, this Wisconsin football offense is better and probably at their best.
I don’t expect Mellusi to be the bell cow back. Instead, I think Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker will have his fair share of reps as well. This offense is better with two threats in the backfield. I just hope Mellusi can stay on the field and avoid another injury.
Tucker Ashcraft
Ashcraft is an interesting choice. He didn’t make flashy plays as a true freshman last season, but he was able to get open in the middle of the field. For all the offensive threats in the backfield and wide receiver, Ashcraft has the potential to be a weapon as a pass-catching tight end. A tight end is a quarterbacks’s best friend too. If Ashcraft can be a viable option for Tyler Van Dyke, I think we will see more third down conversations and longer drives.
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