Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. Western Michigan

Wisconsin football is set to begin the 2024 season against Western Michigan in a Friday night game at Camp Randall.

After a long offseason, the second year of the Luke Fickell era is about ready to kick off. Looking to improve from a 7-6 season in 2023, the Badgers have added some talent at several key positions through the portal and are expected to have contributions from some young talent.

Wisconsin is heavily favored in Friday's matchup, currently listed as 23.5-point favorites, and anything but a convincing win would be disappointing against a team in the throes of a rebuild. Here's a look at what the Badgers must do against the Broncos to make a statement in week 1.

Wisconsin Football Must Limit the Broncos' Rushing Attack

Though Western Michigan finished 4-8 last year in their first season under Lance Taylor, there was a bright spot in freshman running back Jaylen Buckley, who took home MAC Freshman of the Year honors after recording 1,003 yards and ten touchdowns. In an offense that ranked 91st in points per game and 87th in yards per game last season, the star tailback was one of the only positives.

He was a key piece last season, but he should be an even bigger factor, with former UMass head coach Walt Bell taking over at offensive coordinator. In his experience as an OC, Bell has taken more of a run-first approach. With Buckley in the backfield and a solid second option in Zahir Abdus-Salaam, the Broncos will likely lean heavily on the rushing attack this year.

Week 1 will be a good litmus test for the defensive line unit, which recently lost James Thompson Jr for the season. The defensive front has been a weakness for the Badgers in recent years, but they'll need to be up to the task against a dynamic tailback in Buckley.

Wisconsin Football Needs Newcomers to Start Strong

Wisconsin will have several new faces in starting positions, such as Tyler Van Dyke, Tawee Walker, Jaheim Thomas, and John Pius. It will be important for all of the newcomers to come out strong in their Badgers debuts.

Eyes will be all over quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who is looking to get back to form in a new offense. Tawee Walker will also receive plenty of playing time, splitting reps with sixth-year senior running back Chez Mellusi. The Badgers will need to get the offense humming early, which they failed to do in last year's season opener.

On the defensive side, the Badgers will be returning their top defenders from a season ago, Ricardo Hallman and Hunter Wohler, but they also added some new key portal additions to the mix. Jaheim Thomas, John Pius, Tackett Curtis, Sebastian Cheeks, and Elijah Hills all made the official week 1 two-deep depth chart and will play a significant role in Mike Tressel's defense this season.

All of these new additions will have the opportunity to make a strong first impression against the Broncos, and they'll be among the top players to watch.

Wisconsin Football Should Get Creative with Playcalling

Against a lesser opponent in the season opener, offensive coordinator Phil Longo will have an opportunity to get many players involved.

Wide receiver is one of, if not the strongest position group for the Badgers heading into 2024. With top receivers Will Pauling and Bryson Green back for another year, plus CJ Williams, Vinny Anthony, budding redshirt freshman Trech Kekahuna, Chris Brooks Jr, and Quincy Burroughs all in the mix, Wisconsin has a loaded group of pass catchers.

Phil Longo can also get creative by incorporating some of the younger guys into the game. Use freshman tailback Darrion Dupree on jet sweeps, give Dilin Jones an opportunity to show what he has, or dial up some plays for Kekahuna. Getting the younger players acquainted during real in-game situations will give a glimpse of what they can bring to the table and perhaps boost their stock to get some time when conference play rolls around.

Wisconsin will have the opportunity to be flexible and try things out against an easier opponent, and if they get creative, it will keep the Broncos on their toes.

Related: Wisconsin Football Betting Lines, Plus a Prediction for Western Michigan

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