Madison, WI
Aug 30, 2024
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The Wisconsin Badgers pulled away late to defeat the Western Michigan Broncos 28-14 under the lights at Camp Randall Stadium in their 2024 season opener. After a scoreless first quarter, Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi powered into the end zone on a 9-yard rush early in the second, marking his return from an injury that sidelined him in 2023.
Western Michigan answered back with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jalen Buckley, concluding a 16-play drive to tie the game. Wisconsin reclaimed the lead with a 33-yard field goal by Nathanial Vakos as the first half ended. Though Western Michigan took a brief lead in the fourth with another Buckley score, the Badgers responded quickly with Tawee Walker’s tough 6-yard touchdown run following a crucial turnover recovery. Tyler Van Dyke secured the win with his own 6-yard rushing touchdown, punctuated by a key interception by freshman Xavier Lucas to cap off a stellar opening night for the Badgers.
Chez Mellusi (Wisconsin Badgers)
Chez Mellusi powered through the line for a 9-yard touchdown, marking his return from an injury with Wisconsin's first score of the game, capping a 16-play, 93-yard drive.
Jalen Buckley (Western Michigan Broncos)
Jalen Buckley responded for Western Michigan with a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game, finishing a methodical 16-play drive.
Nathanial Vakos (Wisconsin Badgers)
Nathanial Vakos nailed a 33-yard field goal just before halftime, putting Wisconsin back in the lead 10-7.
Tawee Walker (Wisconsin Badgers)
Tawee Walker ran in a hard-fought 6-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion catch by Trech Kekahuna, giving Wisconsin a 21-14 lead.
Tyler Van Dyke (Wisconsin Badgers)
Tyler Van Dyke scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown, extending Wisconsin's lead to 28-14 late in the fourth quarter.
Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin Badgers)
Freshman Xavier Lucas made a highlight-reel interception with a one-handed grab, sealing the victory for Wisconsin.
Austin Brown (Wisconsin Badgers)
Austin Brown recovered a fumbled punt off a Western Michigan player, giving Wisconsin possession at the Bronco 20-yard line and setting up a go-ahead touchdown.
Aaron Witt (Wisconsin Badgers)
Aaron Witt stuffed Jalen Buckley on fourth-and-1 at the 50-yard line, giving Wisconsin crucial possession late in the game.
Chez Mellusi (Wisconsin Badgers, RB)
Rushed for 74 yards on 19 attempts and scored a 9-yard touchdown, giving Wisconsin the early lead in his first game back from injury.
Jalen Buckley (Western Michigan Broncos, RB)
Led the offense with 64 yards rushing on 16 attempts, including two crucial 1-yard touchdowns that briefly put Western Michigan ahead in the fourth quarter.
Tawee Walker (Wisconsin Badgers, RB)
Had 66 rushing yards on 15 attempts, including a game-changing 6-yard touchdown and a critical two-point conversion.
Tyler Van Dyke (Wisconsin Badgers, QB)
Completed 21 of 36 passes for 192 yards and added 21 rushing yards. Sealed the game with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, his first as a Badger.
Nathanial Vakos (Wisconsin Badgers, K)
Provided key points, including a 33-yard field goal at the end of the first half that kept Wisconsin in the lead.
Xavier Lucas (Wisconsin Badgers, CB)
Secured a highlight-reel, one-handed interception in the fourth quarter to help seal the Badgers' win.
Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin Badgers, S)
Recorded a team-high seven tackles and a key pass deflection on a trick play.
Aaron Witt (Wisconsin Badgers, OLB)
Delivered a critical fourth-down stop late in the game, giving Wisconsin possession and momentum.
Austin Brown (Wisconsin Badgers, S)
Recovered a fumbled punt deep in Western Michigan's territory, setting up a crucial touchdown drive.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Wisconsin Badgers - Final Score - August 30, 2024 | FOX Sports
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Western Michigan Broncos
0
7
0
7
14
Wisconsin Badgers
0
10
3
15
28
