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Jump around, Badgers fans! The season kicks off this Friday night as Wisconsin enters Year 2 of the Luke Fickell era. The Badgers face the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall with a 9:00 p.m. EST kickoff on Aug. 30.
After a disappointing 2023 season ended with a 7-6 record and a loss to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Wisconsin looks to bounce back. With the Big Ten Conference West Division sent out to pasture, the Badgers face a tougher path in 2024 as they aim for a spot in the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis this December.
What's at Stake?
The Badgers are heavy favorites against Western Michigan and must start fast to eliminate any chance of a Broncos upset. There's no margin for error in games like this, especially with Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, and USC on the 2024 schedule. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo's unit needs to improve from last season when they ranked seventh in points per game (23.5), sixth in rushing yards per game (161.2) and fourth in passing yards per game (220.1). Even in the new "Dairy Raid" offense, Wisconsin’s success will continue to depend primarily on the offensive line and running game.
Western Michigan is looking to return to its winning ways in Year 2 under coach Lance Taylor. Finishing 4-8 last year and 5-7 in 2022, the Broncos suffered their first back-to-back losing seasons since 2012 and 2013. Following their game against Wisconsin, Western Michigan travels to Columbus, Ohio to face Ohio State, making this matchup their best chance to avoid an 0-2 start.
Key Players: Wisconsin Badgers
Tyler Van Dyke, QB: Van Dyke arrives in Madison, Wis. as a transfer from the University of Miami, where he experienced the highs of being named the 2021 Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year but was benched last season due to inconsistent play. Van Dyke possesses NFL-level arm talent, but his decision-making has been a concern. In this game, he must play mistake-free, especially with a strong running game and an offensive line that should give him ample time to find open receivers.
Curt Neal, DL: The Badgers suffered a major blow on Aug. 21 when their top defensive lineman, James Thompson Jr., sustained an upper-body injury in practice and is out indefinitely. Outside of quarterback, this was the worst possible position group to absorb a serious injury, as the defensive line is already one of the team’s weaker units. Last season, Wisconsin struggled to generate consistent pressure on the passer and ranked eighth in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 138.1 yards per game. While it’s not Neal’s job to rush the passer, he must consistently absorb blockers inside to free up the talented linebackers behind him to make plays against the run and pass.
Key Players: Western Michigan Broncos
Jalen Buckley, RB: Buckley was named the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,003 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scoring 10 touchdowns. The Broncos will rely heavily on Buckley on early downs to avoid third-and-long situations, in which Badgers defenders can hunt quarterback Hayden Wolff. According to ESPN, Buckley has never fumbled in his 198 carries at the college level—a streak that needs to continue in this game. However, like the infamous TV announcer curse, if there’s a writer’s curse, the Badgers might just rip one away from Buckley on Friday night.
Tate Hallock, S: Hallock led the team last season with 75 tackles, adding 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. With standout defensive end Marshawn Kneeland now with the Dallas Cowboys, Hallock will play closer to the line of scrimmage and must be a reliable tackler, especially in one-on-one situations with Badger running backs in open space. One missed tackle, and Bucky Badger might be doing pushups to celebrate a touchdown.
Broadcast Information
Date: Aug. 30
Time: 9:00 p.m. EST
Where: Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.
TV: Fox Sports
Betting Information
Betting Spread: Badgers -24.5, -107
Betting Money Line: Badgers -3231, Broncos +1375
Over/Under: 56.5
Note: Betting information is provided per Action Network and is subject to change.
Game Prediction
Western Michigan finished 82nd in rush defense last season, allowing 158 yards per game, and those struggles are likely to carry over into this game against Wisconsin. Expect the Badgers to dominate with over 200 yards rushing and passing, pulling away in the second half for a comfortable 37-17 victory.
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