On Wisconsin!

Mark & me at the game. 9/2/2023

The Wisconsin Badgers kicked off their season yesterday with a win, defeating the University of Buffalo 38 - 17.

Our son received tickets a couple days earlier, when he called to ask if I wanted to go, It depended on the seats, I said, because Saturday's forecast was temperatures in the 90s.  The seats were on the west-side of the stadium, which was great, because it meant we were in the shade before halftime.

We hung out in the concourse before the game to stay out of the sun then applied more sunblock before taking our seats in section A. We had our water ready too, because of the extreme heat fans could bring two sealed, unopened bottles of water through the gates.

This may be the most fan excitement for Badger football in a while.  New coach Luke Fickell comes to Wisconsin after a successful run leading Cincinnati.  His arrival and changes he brought along fired up fan expectations.

Chez Mellusi near the end of an 89-yard TD run.

 Unlike the National Football League, college teams don't have preseason, so sometimes performances are uneven, especially when there are new players or coaches.

 

 Both were true for the Badgers, who had new players at quarterback, receiver, and defense.  There is a new system on offense.  There were flashes of potential but only a 14 - 10 halftime lead, which was closer than anticipated.

 Several long-time Wisconsin fans behind us moaned and groaned throughout the game; recalling teams that ran the ball better and out-toughed the opposition.

Braelon Allen spins into the end zone.

The new offensive scheme promised more passing. It looked promising until an on-target pass fell harmlessly through a receiver's hands in the first-half and was followed by two interceptions.

 

Running has been Wisconsin's calling card since Barry Alvarez led the Badgers out of the football wilderness.  The two primary runners put their stamp on the game after the half.  First was Chez Mellusi with an amazing 89-yard run for a touchdown right in front of us (above).

 

Braelon Allen got his first touchdown of the season six minutes later on a tough 6-yard run that saw him twist and turn over the goal line for an 18-point lead.

Allen and teammates celebrate the score.

 Wisconsin isn't a finished product by any stretch.  Asked what will make 2023 a successful season, coach Fickell says it is a team playing its best ball at the end of the season.

 

 Game 1 won't be described as a great effort and even to the novice fan saw plenty of areas where the Badgers can be better.  That's part of what makes a season fun and exciting, especially when you see a team grow into its potential.  I'm looking forward to seeing what happens over the next 11 games.

Top photo by Mark Mossner, others by David Mossner, 9/2/2023.