How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

Wisconsin wide receivers Will Pauling, Trech Kekahuna and Bryson Green led the charge for UW’s wide receiver room vs. Western Michigan on Friday.

The three wideouts combined for 13 catches, 133 yards and a two-point conversion during the Week 1 victory against the Broncos at Camp Randall.

As a whole, Wisconsin’s offense was inconsistent throughout the entire match. Facing a 14-13 deficit early in the fourth quarter, UW appeared almost lethargic.

Nonetheless, its three main pass-catching cogs made a handful of plays to help ignite its offense when needed.

Pauling, who entered this season as UW’s No. 1 option at wide receiver, finished with a game-best six catches for 60 yards. He served as Tyler Van Dyke’s safety valve throughout the entire contest and showcased his ability to gain yards after the catch during much of the second half.

Green, Wisconsin’s long range pass-catching threat, registered four catches for 39 yards during the first half. Kekahuna, meanwhile, secured three catches for 34 yards and a timely two-point conversion to push UW ahead 21-14 in the fourth quarter.

Even though the counting stats appear somewhat respectable, Wisconsin’s run game did most of the damage on offense. For a unit committed to an air-raid scheme, the Badgers will need to lean on their playmakers if they wish to compete against Alabamas Oregons Penn State and USC this season.

Luckily for Van Dyke, this trio is more than capable when given the opportunity. Pauling is arguably as quick as any slot receiver in the conference, Green can snag jump balls with his 6’3” frame and Kekahuna knows how to maneuver his way open in the middle of the field.

UW plays its second game of the season against the University of South Dakota on Sept. 7 at Camp Randall.