Tawee Walker plays pivotal role in Wisconsin's Week 1 win vs. Western Michigan

Despite a relatively underwhelming Week 1 performance, the Wisconsin Badgers showcased their run-game capabilities against Western Michigan on Friday.

Outside of a few timely stops from its linebacker crew and a game-altering play from its special teams group, UW received its most impressive output from its running back room in its season opener.

Fourth-year Badger Chez Mellusi and first-year Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker captained the charge of the ground with a combined 34 carries, 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

While Mellusi opened Wisconsin’s scoring with a nine-yard strike in the second quarter, it was Walker who reached the end zone in the contest’s most significant quarter.

Trailing 14-13 with 10:43 to go in the fourth, Walker fielded a snap from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, trucked a defender and fended off two more at the goal line to secure his first score as a member of UW’s program.

Walker finished the battle with 15 rushes for 66 yards and the touchdown. His 4.4 yards per carry on that type of usage suggest he could morph into a mainstay in Phil Longo’s offensive scheme this season.

Wisconsin wound up scoring once more to close the bout and clinch a 28-14 victory.