Tag: Chimere Dike

Week 11 Iowa Hawkeyes opponent preview: Breaking down the Wisconsin Badgers’ offense

The Iowa Hawkeyes host Wisconsin in Week 11. Here is an offensive outlook for what the Badgers will try to do and who to watch.

Week 11 for the Iowa Hawkeyes sees a very familiar foe entering Kinnick Stadium this time around. With a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff, the Hawkeyes are welcoming in the Wisconsin Badgers in a Big Ten West matchup.

Each of the teams is currently carrying an overall record of 5-4 and a 3-3 conference record. Just a handful of weeks ago this matchup looked like it could be a doozy for all of the wrong reasons, but it has garnered some more excitement.

With the Illinois Fighting Illini losing to Michigan State last week, the Hawkeyes and Badgers find themselves, somehow, just one game out of first place in the Big Ten West. With the mess that the Big Ten West is, and could continue to become, this matchup has conference implications riding on it.

If either of these teams can win out and the Illini slip up again, then the Hawkeyes or Badgers would have a serious chance to capture the West. It starts this week.

The Hawkeyes’ defense held Purdue to just three points last weekend and will need another stout effort as they look to slow down the Badgers.

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from the win over Purdue

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

Madison, Wis. – In his first home game as interim head coach, Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten), who were one-and-a-half point favorites, took care of business, winning 35-24 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After riding the struggle bus against Michigan State, Wisconsin’s offense bounced back, registering 381 total yards (203 passing, 178 rushing) on an impressive 7.6 yards per play.

Bobby Engram and company displayed a disciplined, yet balanced, offensive attack – which was highly encouraging. 

Led by standout offensive performances from Graham Mertz, Braelon Allen, Isaac Guerendo, and Skyler Bell, the Badgers made a point to get the ball to its playmakers – and beat down a good Purdue football team as a result. 

Here’s a look at the five highest-graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s victory over Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus.

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from loss to Michigan State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s loss to MSU, according to Pro Football Focus:

Interim head coach Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten), who were seven-and-a-half point favorites, failed to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, losing a 34-28 heartbreaker in double-overtime at Spartan Field on Saturday afternoon.

Just one week removed from Wisconsin’s best offensive performance of the season, the Badgers reverted to who we thought they were, mustering 283 total yards (131 passing, 152 rushing) on a mere 4.5 yards per play.

Sophomore running back Braelon Allen, who was without his partner in crime, Chez Mellusi, was asked to carry a significant load on Saturday to the tune of a career-high 29 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

The offensive line, however, was a disaster against MSU, allowing five pressures while also picking up five penalties – three of which belonged to left guard Tanor Bortolini.

Coach Leonhard has his work cut out for him moving forward because the program needs an offensive identity – and fast.

Here’s a look at the five highest-graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s loss to Michigan State, according to Pro Football Focus.

Chimere Dike did something only one other Badger has done since 2000

It was a career day for the Badgers’ WR1

Last Saturday’s route of Northwestern saw many firsts for Wisconsin football. Graham Mertz became the first Badger quarterback to throw for five touchdowns in multiple games, Jim Leonhard picked up his first win as Wisconsin head coach, and Chimere Dike became the first Badger in just under 20 years to put up three touchdowns and at least 175 receiving yards.

Dike finished with a game-high 185 receiving yards on ten grabs, and scored three times in the process.

The only other Badger wide receiver to go for 175 yards and three touchdowns since 2000? If you are a Wisconsin football history buff, your first guess is probably the right one. It was none other than Lee Evans, who did it against Michigan State back in 2003.

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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.

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