Tag: Chimere Dike

PHOTOS: Wisconsin dominates Northwestern 42-7 under HC Jim Leonhard

Some of the best photos from Wisconsin’s 42-7 blowout victory over the Northwestern Wildcats:

The Wisconsin Badgers dominated the Northwestern Wildcats in a 42-7 road victory on Saturday afternoon. The Badgers were led by interim head coach Jim Leonhard after the firing of Paul Chryst last week.

The Wisconsin offense had its best performance of the season because of a career day from junior wide receiver Chimere Dike. He finished the day with 185 receiving yards and three touchdowns on only 10 receptions. His quarterback, Graham Mertz, has a great game as well finishing 20-29 for 299 passing yards and five touchdowns

Their offensive performance was complemented by a dominant defensive effort. Leonhards’ defense racked up three turnovers on the day and limited the Wildcats to 3-13 on third down.

The Badgers will continue their road trip next weekend against the Michigan State Spartans:

Below are some of the best photos from Wisconsin’s 42-7 blowout victory over the Northwestern Wildcats:

Social media reacts to Wisconsin WR Chimere Dike’s 52-yard TD catch

Some of the best social media reactions to Wisconsin WR Chimere Dike’s 52-yard catch and run for a touchdown:

The Wisconsin Badgers have moved the ball exceptionally well so far in their matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats, and they were able to score on their second drive after being pinned at their own 2-yard line.

Related: Big Ten football and big game expert predictions and picks for Week 6

Following an outstanding interception by Badgers’ safety Kamo’i Latu, Wisconsin’s offense took advantage on their third drive with a spectacular 52-yard catch and run for a touchdown from wide receiver Chimere Dike. The junior wideout has been outstanding in the first half with six receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

The Badgers have been able to impose their will on the Wildcats so far, up 21-0 in the second quarter, under the direction of interim head coach Jim Leonhard.

Here are some of the best social media reactions to Wisconsin WR Chimere Dike’s 52-yard catch and run for a touchdown:

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from week 1 victory over Illinois State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State, according to Pro Football Focus:

The No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) kicked off its season opener at Camp Randall on Saturday night with a 38-0 victory over the visiting Illinois State Redbirds.

Wisconsin’s new-look offense under Bobby Engram produced 440 total yards and scored 38 points with a balanced offensive attack.

Third-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz looked sharp against Illinois State, completing 14 of 16 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown with no turnovers.

Doak Walker hopeful Braelon Allen also carried the ball 14 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including one in the first half that went for 96 yards and gave the Badgers a 14-0 advantage that set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded players from Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State, according to Pro Football Focus.

PHOTOS: Wisconsin dominates Illinois State 38-0 in its season opener

Some of the best photos from Wisconsin football’s 38-0 victory over the Illinois State Redbirds:

Despite a slow start because of extended Illinois State drives, the Wisconsin Badgers dominated the Redbirds 38-0 in their season at Camp Randall Stadium.

Related: Wisconsin vs. Illinois State: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for Saturday

The Badgers showed their team identity with tough defense including a 100-yard pick-six, and by running the ball with Braelon Allen. The sophomore running back had an insane 96-yard touchdown run in the first half and finished with 148 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz had a solid debut as well, ending the day 14-16 for 219 passing yards and a passing touchdown.

It was great to see the Badgers dominate in their season opener to build confidence and chemistry ahead of their week 4 matchup against Ohio State on the road.

Below are some of the best photos from Wisconsin football’s 38-0 victory over the Illinois State Redbirds:

WATCH: A inside look at Wisconsin football in Ep. 3 of the ‘The Camp’

Watch linebacker Nick Herbig and wide receiver Chimere Dike in the latest episode of Wisconsin football’s ‘The Camp’

On Tuesday evening, Wisconsin football released the third installment of ‘The Camp,’ which gives Badgers fans an inside look at fall practices and the team ahead of the 2022 season.

Related: Two Wisconsin Badgers named to AP Preseason All-America team

The latest episode features interviews with senior outside linebacker Nick Herbig and junior wide receiver Chimere Dike. They spoke extensively about their excitement for the talented underclassmen getting their opportunity to play this season, as well as the relationships that they have formed as Badgers.

It is outstanding to see the team coming together as one in fall camp, especially with the start of the 2022 season less than two weeks away. The Badgers will open their season at Camp Randall against Illinois State on Sep. 3.

Chimere Dike ready to make the jump to No. 1 WR for Badgers

Chimere Dike is set to become the No. 1 WR for Graham Mertz and the Wisconsin #Badgers in 2022:

Heading into fall camp, all eyes will be on Wisconsin’s new-look offense under first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Engram, who comes to UW after eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

UW, which has never been known for its passing game, has seen a steady decline in production each of the last two seasons – forcing head coach Paul Chryst to make changes to reinvigorate a sputtering Badgers offense.

In addition to learning a new offense, Wisconsin’s QB1, Graham Mertz, returns just 36.9% of his total targets from 2021, according to Pro Football Focus.

Without the trio of Jake Ferguson, Danny Davis, and Kendric Pryor, who accounted for 110 of Wisconsin’s 177 total catches last season, UW will rely upon several of their young, inexperienced wide receivers to step up and become contributors in 2022.

Entering fall camp, junior WR Chimere Dike is the odds-on favorite to become the No. 1 WR for Mertz and the Wisconsin Badgers.

As a sophomore, he was targeted 32 times and had 19 catches for 272 yards and a touchdown. According to PFF, eight of Dike’s 19 catches were contested, 14 of which went for first downs.

“The game is just slower for me,” Dike told UW’s, Mike Lucas. “I have played a lot of football at this point, and I know how to win on different routes. The speed of the game has slowed down, so I can process things easier. The game feels more in my control, and I feel like I can dictate what happens more.”

As the elder statesmen in the Badgers WR room, there will be ample opportunities for the 6-foot-1, 195-pound wide-out to showcase his talent in coach Engram’s new offense.

The Waukesha, Wisconsin native played just over 88% of his snaps from the slot in 2021; however, I believe we’ll see Dike moved all over the field to try and create matchup problems for opposing defenses and keep them guessing.

The early sentiment regarding coach Engram’s offense is that it will spread the field to utilize its playmakers better and won’t rely heavily on winning one-on-ones.

Instead, there will be opportunities to get Dike the ball in space using screens, drags, and crossers, allowing him to use his run after the catch ability to create more explosive plays for the Badgers.

I will not be shocked if the junior wide-out gets force-fed the ball to get the passing attack going this fall – giving the Badgers their first true WR1 since Quintez Cephus.

Who steps up behind the former Waukesha North standout is anyone’s guess at this point.

Skyler Bell, Keontez Lewis, Markus Allen, and Dean Engram seem well-positioned to see meaningful snaps this fall. Each player offers upside, but it’s important to note that other than Dike, no WR on the UW roster has caught more than three career college passes, leaving the door wide open for competition to see the field.

Coach Whitted has combined a unique blend of size and playmaking ability in his re-tooled WR room. The Badgers’ new offense, which needs more from its passing attack in 2022, will benefit from having a true No. 1 option like Dike to build around.

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

Wisconsin football’s leaders in receiving touchdowns from 2021

The Wisconsin Badgers’ receiving touchdown leaders from 2021:

The Wisconsin Badgers’ passing offense struggled to find its rhythm last season because of inconsistency in the playcalling and quarterback play throughout the year. This forced the Badgers to run the ball against stacked defenses, which heavily limited their offensive efficiency.

Related: WATCH: Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig ‘rave’ about Braelon Allen at Big Ten Media Days

Wisconsin had no receiver or tight end finish with more than three touchdown catches last season. The Badgers as a whole only had six players catch a touchdown reception, whose total amounted to 11 receiving touchdowns. Senior tight end Jake Ferguson provided the most consistent threat for the offense, but he has graduated and gone onto the NFL.

Hopefully, after some significant changes to the offensive coaching staff and receiving group, the Badgers will be able to make their opponents respective the whole field in 2022.

Below are the Wisconsin Badgers’ receiving touchdown leaders from 2021:

Iowa Hawkeyes 2022 schedule breakdown: Wisconsin

No game bigger for the Hawkeyes in 2022 than Wisconsin. With the West possibly on the line, what should Iowa fans expect from the Badgers?

This is the must-win game of the season for the Hawkeyes, at least you hope it is. As long as the season has stayed on course, and Iowa hasn’t dropped too many games to start, this is the game to circle on the calendar for Iowa.

While there is a revenge game to be played against Michigan and Ohio State is a huge matchup for any school, Wisconsin is easily the game with the most ramifications. As Iowa looks to secure a return spot in the Big Ten championship game, West division rival Wisconsin is easily their biggest roadblock in the way.

Paul Chryst’s squad is routinely a contender for the division crown and will once again provide an extremely tough challenge. This game could ultimately decide who wins the division.

Wisconsin football’s receiving leaders from 2021

Wisconsin football’s top 10 leaders in receiving yards from 2021:

The Wisconsin Badgers’ passing attack was underwhelming last season, and unfortunately, forced the Badgers to become one-dimensional and overreliant on the run against tough Big Ten defenses.

Related: Wisconsin football’s rushing leaders from 2021

Tight end Jake Ferguson was the most consistent threat for the Badgers’ passing attack and provided an often-needed escape valve for quarterback Graham Mertz when he was under pressure.

Another bright spot from last season is the emergence and development of younger receivers who will be replacing the core of Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor and Jack Dunn. Junior WR Chimere Dike will take over as the primary receiver after finishing with 272 receiving yards and a touchdown last season.

Redshirt freshman Markus Allen will likely be in a starting role, and with luck, will expand upon the flashes he showed with big catches against Rutgers and Arizona State late in the season.

Hopefully, after struggling the last two years in the passing game, the addition of new receivers and offensive coordinator Bobby Engram will help revive the Wisconsin passing game.

Below are Wisconsin football’s top 10 leaders in receiving yards from 2021:

Five Badgers that boosted their stock during spring football practice

Five players that boosted their stock during spring football practice:

Spring football has officially come to a close for the Wisconsin Badgers, who wrapped up their spring evaluation period last Friday night.

Head coach Paul Chryst made a significant amount of changes along the coaching staff this offseason, so this initial installation period allowed those coaches their first real look at their respective position groups.

UW essentially has players competing for meaningful snaps at every position heading into fall camp. The offense lost six preferred starters from last season, while the nation’s top defensive unit needs to replace eight starters of their own in 2022.

Spring football is about trying new things, generating competition, and forcing players out of their comfort zones.

So, it’s important that fans understand no starting positions are going to be won in the spring. However, it can lead to additional opportunities once camp opens in the fall.

Today, we’re going to examine five players that boosted their stock during the Badgers 15 spring practices: