In college football, it never hurts to roster a few extra playmakers.
Wisconsin football experienced exactly that during Saturday’s 27-13 triumph over South Dakota at Camp Randall.
With senior running back Tawee Walker sidelined due to injury, redshirt sophomore Cade Yacamelli shined for offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s offensive unit before a packed crowd at home.
The Trafford, Pennsylvania native tallied eight carries for 73 rushing yards on Saturday. He also caught two passes for 13 receiving yards.
Yacamelli’s most impressive highlight arrived when he fielded a handoff from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and took it up the middle for a 29-yard gain with just under 7:00 to spare in the third quarter. The run moved UW just outside of South Dakota territory.
The 2021 Mr. Pennsylvania Football finalist registered a few more carries on the drive before Nathanial Vakos netted a 24-yard field goal to bring the Badgers’ lead to 17-3 prior to the conclusion of the first half.
Here’s what head coach Luke Fickell had to say about Yacamelli after the two-score victory.
Yacamelli played in nine games during the 2023 season and accumulated 169 yards on 36 carries. To put Saturday’s performance into perspective, the 6’0” playmaker’s previous career high in rushing yards was 48 against Indiana last November.
Wisconsin also received strong rushing contributions from upperclassman Chez Mellusi (16 carries for 60 yards) and true freshman Darrion Dupree (6 rushes for 24 yards) on Saturday. Look for all three to see the field against Alabama if Walker remains out.