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.
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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.