Badgers down Broncos in season opener | Wisconsin Badgers (2024)

David Stluka

• Box Score

Game Recap: Football | August 30, 2024 | Charlie Parent

UW uses 18 second-half points to seal a 28-14 victory

MADISON, Wis. – Lifted by a 15-point fourth quarter, the Wisconsin football team pulled away late for a 28-14 win over Western Michigan in its season opener on Friday night at Camp Randall Stadium.

The Badgers (1-0) recorded nearly 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, as running backs Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker each found the end zone, along with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.

The win marks UW's 17th straight victory in a season opener at Camp Randall against a non-conference opponent. Wisconsin has not lost a non-conference season opener at home since 1995.

A scoreless first quarter saw both sides jockeying for field position. The Badgers caught fire toward the end of the period to fuel their early second quarter touchdown off a 9-yard rush fromMellusi in his return to action after suffering a season-ending injury last year. The dominant drive lasted 16 plays, going for 93 yards, to give UW its first score of the season.

More to come 🫣#OnWisconsin x @chez_mellusi pic.twitter.com/9vbon3zKXA

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 31, 2024

Western Michigan responded with a lengthy drive of its own, as Jalen Buckley punched in a 1-yard run that capped a 16-play series and even the score.

Wisconsin took a 10-7 lead into halftime after Nathanial Vakos nailed a 33-yard field goal with time expiring. Van Dyke connected with Trech Kekahuna for a 12-yard gain on a crucial third-down to propel the Badgers into scoring position and ultimately end the half on top.

UW came out of the break sticking to the script, racking up a 14-play drive that resulted in a 23-yard field goal from Vakos to go up 13-7.

The sides traded scoreless possessions before Buckley punched in another 1-yard rush to put the Broncos ahead 14-13 going into the fourth quarter.

The Badgers bounced back quickly following a Bronco muffed punt and strong running from Walker. The transfer from Oklahoma capitalized on the turnover with a hard-nosed, six-yard touchdown rush. On the ensuing two point conversion, Kekahuna recorded his first career score to put Wisconsin back in the lead, 21-14.

Wisconsin took one step closer to sealing the win after Aaron Witt came up with a key fourth-down that gave the ball back to the Badgers. UW scored on the following possession when Van Dyke scampered into the end zone from six-yards out to take a 28-14 lead.

Defensive back Xavier Lucas made a highlight-reel, one-handed, interception just one drive later to close out the contest in favor of the Badgers.

WHAT. AN. INTERCEPTION. 🤯@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/qXM3DzdcMg

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024

Van Dyke threw for 192 yards on the day, completing 21 of his 36 attempts. The signal-caller had the second most completions in school history for a quarterback making his UW debut (since 1951). He added 21 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.

Wisconsin's running back tandem saw Mellusi and Walker each go north of 65 yards. Both scored a touchdown on the ground, while redshirt sophom*ore Cade Yacamelli chipped in 35 rushing yards of his own.

Will Pauling led the Badgers in receiving for the eighth time in his career. The Illinois native had six catches for 60 yards. Senior Bryson Green was a valuable second option for Van Dyke, reeling in four passes for 39 yards, and Kekahuna finished his day with three receptions for 34 yards.