Tag: braelon allen

Wisconsin great Braelon Allen shares thought on Chez Mellusi’s departure from Badgers program

Braelon Allen comments on Chez Mellusi’s departure from Badgers program

Former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen has chimed in on the news that veteran running back Chez Mellusi is leaving the Badgers program.

The reporting notes that Mellusi left ‘to continue rehabbing injuries that prevented him from playing to his expectation.’ The veteran recently returned from a broken leg and ankle suffered early in the 2023 season. It was his third significant injury in as many seasons with the program.

Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin’s blowout victory over Purdue

Mellusi departs after leading Badgers in rush attempts (56), rushing yards (232) and touchdowns (3) through the first four games of the season.

Most of the dialogue surrounding Mellusi’s departure was overwhelmingly positive. Most fans were appreciative of the running back’s efforts, determination and overall contribution to the program.

As can be the case, however, some sentiments skewed in the opposite direction.

That’s where Allen enters the conversation. He responded to a post on X that tried to spin Mellusi’s departure into a positive for the program, calling it a ‘blessing in disguise.’ His response: a thumbs-down emoji.

The conversation on X continued as Allen was then asked to elaborate on a recent cryptic tweet surrounding his experience with the program in 2023. He responded with the following post:

“I love Wisconsin and everything about it,” Allen wrote. “But I also have strong feelings about the way things were done and how people were treated and how nobody needed to be held accountable besides the players.”

The conversation never entered specifics. But it continued an overall air of mystery surrounding Allen’s thoughts on the state of the program, or at least his thoughts on ‘the way things were done and how people were treated.’

Allen and Mellusi shared the backfield from 2021-23. The two were a formidable 1-2 punch when Mellusi was healthy. Their best collective season came back in 2021 when Allen, as a 17-year-old true freshman, rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Mellusi added 815 yards and five touchdowns in nine games of action.

The two importantly elected to remain with the program after the hire of Luke Fickell in November 2022. Their collective leadership presence was important as Fickell worked to bridge the gap from the prior regime.

Right now, Mellusi’s departure leaves Tawee Walker as Wisconsin’s likely leader in the backfield entering the rest of the season. Darrion Dupree was the primary backup during the team’s dominant win over Purdue, with Cade Yacamelli also figuring into the mix.

But the current implications take an occasional backseat to stories like this one. Allen continues to hint at more extensive thoughts on the state of the program, but he is still yet to share any specifics.

One of his specific thoughts is clear: Mellusi’s departure is not ‘a blessing in disguise’ for the Wisconsin football program.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

The New York Jets should modify their usage of HB Breece Hall

The New York Jets should modify their usage of HB Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall averaged a horrid 0.4 yards per carry versus the stingy Denver Broncos defense in week 4.

As previously stated, Hall might not be the best running back on the Jets’ depth chart, especially when the team needs those tough yards on early downs, and inside the hashes in the a red-zone. Rookie Braelon Allen however, who finished the game with a 4.2 yards per carry average, has merited more reps.

With a chance to ignite the home fans at Met life Stadium in the first half, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett watched Hall get stuffed on two consecutive red-zone plays, stalling out a drive that started in plus territory.

Hall’s dynamics are above exceptional, but work ideally on outside zone run plays, screens, and finesse like concepts. Contrarily, Allen is the tougher and more physical back and should be the primary in games where tougher defenses are the opponent.

Hackett needs to adjust his usage of Hall to best fit the team. Changes won’t make Hall any less of a player, but instead make his reps more impactful and efficient.

Luke Fickell addresses concerns of notable Badgers alumni after loss to USC

Luke Fickell addresses concerns of notable Badgers alumni after loss to USC

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell met with the media on Monday in advance of the Badgers’ Week 6 matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers.

One topic of discussion looked back to the team’s 38-21 loss to No. 11 USC, and specifically to the group of notable Badgers alumni expressing their displeasure with the current state of the program.

Related: ESPN updates Wisconsin football win chances for remaining 2024 games after Week 5 loss to USC

A significant example of that is Jack Cichy (Badgers linebacker from 2013-2017), who took to social media on Sunday to give his thoughts on the current state of affairs. His opinion on the program’s changing identity appears to be shared by many former players, several of whom are now publicly stating those opinions.

Program legend Braelon Allen’s cryptic tweet about his experience with the Badgers in 2023 only added to that discussion.

Fickell said the discussion from former players doesn’t bother him as long as it doesn’t bother those currently on the team.

“I don’t pay attention to a lot of things,” Fickell said. “Unfortunately, when you have children now that are of the age, if there is something out there they let you know. I have to do a better job of making sure they understand that, ‘no, I don’t want to hear those things.’ But it’s a part of the game. It’s all things that we have to be able to deal with. It doesn’t bother me. I only worry if it bothers our guys within our program on our team.”

Fickell continued his thought, noting that passion from former players is part of what makes the program great.

“If people didn’t have passion for what it is that we’re doing, we wouldn’t have sold-out crowds. We wouldn’t have an environment that we create here and competitive advantage when guys come into our home. Because of the passion, whether it’s the fans, or former players have. That’s what makes programs great. You have got to be able to handle the ups and the downs. You have got to be able to handle the positives and the negatives, whether you’re a coach or you’re a player.”

Wisconsin picking up a decisive win over Purdue would certainly quell criticisms about the state of the program. A run to bowl eligibility against a gauntlet rest-of-season schedule would do so as well.

The dynamic of the ‘new school’ against program alumni and the ‘old school’ appears it will only continue, however. The decision to hire Luke Fickell pushed away the Paul Chryst and Jim Leonhard era, one that many of these former players were a part of. That context matters when noticing who exactly is voicing these concerns.

Winning tends to cure all in this sport. Fickell and the 2024 Badgers need to do so on Saturday against a poor Purdue team. If not, criticisms from program alumni will only continue.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Purdue Boilermakers: Series history, all-time record

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Purdue Boilermakers: Series history, all-time record

Wisconsin (2-2) will welcome Purdue (1-3) to Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT. It will be the 91st all-time meeting between the two programs. The Badgers have had the upper hand to this point.

The Badgers have won 17 consecutive matchups dating back to 2004 and they own a 53-29-8 all-time record against the Boilermakers. The last time Purdue was able to capture a victory was 2003 when they edged Wisconsin 26-23.

Last season, the two teams squared off in West Lafayette and Wisconsin pulled off a 38-17 win. The Badgers relied heavily on their rushing attack with running back Braelon Allen leading the way with 119 yards and two scores on 16 carries. Additionally, quarterback Tanner Mordecai added 57 rushing yards and two scores on 14 rushes.

Purdue enters this week with a 1-3 record on the year, dropping their contest this past weekend 28-10 at home against Nebraska. The Boilermakers also fired their offensive coordinator Graham Harrell this week after averaging 12.7 points per game over their last three contests.

Wisconsin will enter Saturday’s game sporting a two-game losing streak after falling to USC 38-21 on the road in Week 5. The Boilermakers present Luke Fickell’s squad with arguably their easiest remaining opponent on their schedule. The Badgers will need to take advantage of the opportunity before conference play heats up.

How Braelon Allen fared in NFL Week 4 with the New York Jets

How Braelon Allen fared in NFL Week 4 with the New York Jets

Former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen suited up for his fourth career game with the New York Jets on Sunday.

Allen led the Jets’ backfield with eight carries for 34 rushing yards in the 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. He also added one reception for 12 yards in the rainy game at MetLife Stadium.

The Jets’ offense, spearheaded by four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, could not find its rhythm in the slugfest. Despite the efforts of Rodgers, Allen and emerging star Breece Hall, the Jets combined to rush for 64 yards against Denver.

Most notably, the Jets did not utilize Allen on a sequence on the 1-yard line. Instead, head coach Robert Saleh went to Breece Hall, a player he referred to as the Jets’ “workhorse back” after the game.

Nonetheless, the Jets have been doing a more than respectable job in utilizing both Allen and Hall in New York’s offensive attack through the first three games.

The former Badger’s Week 4 performance arrives following his impressive Week 3 output against the New England Patriots on Sept. 19, a game in which he registered 68 total yards and 4.85 yards per touch before in the 24-3 smashing.

Before then, Allen captured NFL Rookie of the Week nods for his two-touchdown effort in the Jets’ Week 2 win over the Titans. On the season, he has recorded 187 total yards and two touchdowns.

Fantasy Football waiver wire: 12 running backs to target in Week 5

These 12 running backs should be waiver wire targets in your fantasy football league this week.

As we wait for a pair of Monday Night Football games to wrap up Week 4, fantasy football managers are already considering their waiver wire options for next week.

The top option at wide receiver seems to be Wan’Dale Robinson (28%). Zach Ertz (55%) is a quality tight end available in nearly half of leagues and Tyler Huntley (3%) could be a sleeper option at quarterback. 

Today, though, we’re focusing on running back. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of Week 5. If you’re looking for reinforcements at RB, consider these options.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Kareem Hunt (22%): Hunt made his 2024 debut on Sunday and led Chiefs running backs in carries (14), rushing yards (69) and targets (3). He might be the new feature back in KC.

2. RB Bucky Irving (52%): Irving and Rachaad White had nearly identical stats in Week 4 with 10 carries for 49 yards each. Irving also scored a touchdown. It remains to be seen if Irving will become the primary back, but he’s getting enough touches for flex consideration (or a starting role, if you’re thin at RB).

3. RB Braelon Allen (46%): Breece Hall isn’t going anywhere, but he was limited to four yards on 10 carries against the Broncos’ tough defense on Sunday. Allen led the Jets with 34 yards on eight carries. Like Irving, he gets enough touches to warrant consideration even if he’s not the RB1.

4. RB Tyler Allgeier (42%): Allgeier is an extremely important handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, and he led the Falcons in rushing yards (60) in Week 4. That won’t happen every week, but Allgeier remains part of Atlatan’s rotation.

5. RB Trey Sermon (1%): Sermon becomes an important handcuff option this week after Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. If Taylor has to miss any games, Sermon would be the next man up.

6. RB Trey Benson (32%): Benson is another important handcuff behind James Conner, who is yet to play a full season in the NFL. Benson rushed nine times for 50 yards on Sunday.

7. RB Roschon Johnson (14%): D’Andre Swift remains the RB1 in Chicago, but Johnson got seven carries on Sunday and scored a touchdown. He’s worth a look if you’re thin at the position.

8. RB Tank Bigsby (7%): Bigsby led the Jaguars with 90 rushing yards in Week 4 and Jacksonville could opt to ride the hot hand.

9. RB Rico Dowdle (44%): Dowdle led the Cowboys in rushes (11) and yards (46) this week. He seems to be the best option in Dallas’ backfield.

10. RB Justice Hill (10%): Hill is worth consideration in PPR formats after hauling in six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night. He also rushed four times for 18 yards.

11. RB Alexander Mattison (31%): Zamir White has been the RB1 in Las Vegas, but Mattison led the team with 60 rushing yards on Sunday and he’s a better receiver out of the backfield. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hinted Monday that more reps are on the way for Mattison.

12. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): Mitchell (ACL) is eligible to return this week, although it’s unclear if he will. He’s worth stashing on your IR spot.

Bonus: RB Nick Chubb (78%): Chubb is rostered in most leagues, but like Mitchell, this is the first week he would be eligible to return. Double-check if he’s available in your league just in case. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Wisconsin legend Braelon Allen sends cryptic tweet about his experience with Badgers in 2023

Braelon Allen points to dysfunction within program under Luke Fickell:

This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.

Wisconsin legend Braelon Allen took to social media on Saturday afternoon, immediately after the clock hit 0:00 on Wisconsin’s 38-21 loss to No. 13 USC, to express his displeasure with the state of the Badgers program.

He shared a somewhat cryptic thought that seems to point to dysfunction within the program under head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

Related: Notable Wisconsin alumni irate with the Badgers’ struggles with short-yardage runs

“I’m gonna hold my tongue for now,” Allen wrote on X. “But y’all gonna see me on a podcast one day explaining exactly what was going on my last season there.”

Allen is referring, obviously, to his time with the Badgers in 2023. It was his final season in college before declaring for the NFL draft, and the program’s first season under Fickell.

Allen elected to stay with the Badgers after Paul Chryst had been fired during the 2022 season and after the program passed over interim coach Jim Leonhard to hire Fickell. His decision to stay was critical for Fickell and his staff as they worked to bridge the transition to their new regime.

The program legend’s post suggests that transition did not go smoothly, to say the least. We may soon learn what exactly Allen is referring to. The overwhelming probability is his revelations will not be positive.

Wisconsin is back on the field next Saturday at home against Purdue (1-3) team. It is desperately in need of a decisive victory.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

3 keys to a Jets victory vs. the Broncos in Week 4

3 keys to a Jets victory vs. the Broncos in Week 4

The New York Jets will hope to add a win to their 2024 record in Week 4. The team will host the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

As usual, it will never be a walk in the park in the NFL. If the Jets (2-1) expect to beat the Broncos (1-2), there will be a few key things New York will have to focus on against Denver.

It will have to be a full-team effort, make no mistake. But these factors could weigh heavy on whether or not New York grab a win or loss at home.

Here are three keys to the Jets pulling out a victory against the Broncos:

Attack a rookie QB

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While Bo Nix has made strides each week in his young NFL career, he’s still a rookie.

And if the Jets are the top-tier defense they claim to be, they should chomping at the bit to get after Nix. With 14 sacks so far on the year, New York’s defense needs to add to that in Week 4 by pressing Nix into mistakes. This falls on the play calling as well.

Go to the ground

Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images – USA Today

The Broncos enter Week 4 with the second-best pass defense in the NFL. Denver has allowed only 133.3 yards per game in the air so far this season.

Not only because of that, but because of the successes the Jets have had in the ground game on offense, running backs Breece Hall and fourth-round rookie Braelon Allen should get the ball plenty.

Protect Aaron

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Yes, the Broncos have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. But Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is pretty good, too.

Rodgers and New York’s offense has to simply keep the Denver defense honest. Use the rushing attack, but use the passing game to set it up. Rodgers showed last week against the New England Patriots that he is more than capable of finding big plays.

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Breece Hall & Jets’ rookie Braelon Allen are a dynamic duo

Breece Hall & Jets’ rookie Braelon Allen are a dynamic duo

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has greatly benefited from the emergence of rookie Braelon Allen. Hall’s quickness and versatility, is now being preserved, allowing him fresher legs and an opportunity to exhaust opponents later in games.

Jets’ fans recoiled at the proposed idea of Hall sharing reps in week 1, but now understand how dynamic the team’s rushing attack is. Jets’ rookie Isaiah Davis even saw snaps versus the Patriots but it is Hall and Allen who are priority.

Hall is still only averaging around 3.7 yards per carry and that’s why Allen’s physicality works better on earlier downs. Allen contrarily is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, which implies that their tandem is interchangeable.

Whether rushing or receiving, Hall has now scored a touchdown in all three Jets’ games. The sky is really the limit for the Jets who finished off the Patriots decisively in week 3. They’ll now have a 10 day rest before facing the Denver Broncos on Sept. 29.

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Former Wisconsin center shares perspective on former Badgers RB Braelon Allen

Former Wisconsin center shares perspective on former Badgers RB Braelon Allen

Former Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann shared his perspective on fellow Badger alumnus Braelon Allen’s draft position on Monday.

During Monday’s New York Jets media availability, the New York Post’s Jared Schwartz asked Tippmann, who blocked for Allen at UW from 2021-22, if he believed Allen’s combine numbers affected his draft position.

Here’s what Tippmann had to say in response.

“Yeah, I thought so,” Tippmann said. “I didn’t think he was gonna be a guy that fell all the way to the fourth. It means we got him, so can’t complain.”

For context, Allen was selected No. 134 overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft by the New York Jets. Through three games, he’s playing like a first- or second-round pick.

In his first three appearances as a Jet, Allen registered 25 touches for 141 total yards and two touchdowns. He became the youngest player (20 years, 239 days) to record two scores from scrimmage in a single game.

Following the combine, the NFL’s Next Gen Stats listed Allen as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into Starter.” He notched 26 repetitions on the bench press, a 32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-9 broad jump.

At 6 feet, 1 inch and 235 pounds, Allen’s size caused some to be skeptical of how he would fare at the professional level. However, he finished his career No. 9 on UW’s all-time leading rushing list with nearly 3,500 yards in just three years of action.

The Jets appear to have secured a steal in this year’s NFL draft. Allen will continue to see repetitions alongside New York’s star running back Breece Hall.