Tag: skyler bell

Two of Wisconsin’s starting wide receivers have entered the transfer portal

Two of Wisconsin’s starting wide receivers have entered the transfer portal

Wisconsin is losing some of its top players from the last few seasons.

Both starting wide receivers Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell announced their intentions to enter the portal earlier today, leaving what was a crowded wide receiver room no longer as full.

Dike’s announcement is a bit of a surprise as a senior leader and one of the program’s best wideouts over the last several years. He will finish his Wisconsin career with 44 games played over four seasons, 97 receptions, 1478 yards, nine touchdowns, 14 carries, 99 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Bell, on the other hand, had his snap counts greatly diminished this season with the arrivals of several transfer wide receivers. His Wisconsin career will finish with 26 games played over three seasons, 69 receptions, 755 receiving yards, six touchdowns, 13 carries and 160 rushing yards.

Wisconsin will now move into 2024 with Dike, Bell and Keontez Lewis — the team’s three leading wide receivers in 2022 — all gone from the team. Will Pauling, C.J. Williams and others will now need to step up to lead the room.

Badgers fans react to impressive touchdown throw by Tanner Mordecai

Tanner Mordecai puts on his superhero cape for a score

The Badgers are locked into a close battle with the Washington State Cougars and with 25 seconds left in the third quarter, Wisconsin’s quarterback Tanner Mordecai connected with wide receiver Skyler Bell for a 16-yard touchdown.

Forced to leave the pocket and throw on the run, Mordecai was able to keep his eyes down the field while rolling to his left, bringing the Badgers within two points at 24-22.

After many years of disappointing or stagnant play at signal-caller for Wisconsin, the fans were quick to react to the impressive touchdown online.

Here are some of the best responses following the score:

Badger Countdown: Dual-threat wide receiver wears number 11

Dual-threat wide receiver wears number 11

The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and Luke Fickell and his Badgers are now 11 days from their opener against Buffalo on Sept. 2. Wide receiver Skyler Bell is back in number 11 for Wisconsin again this year.

Bell had a very productive 2022 campaign, catching 30 passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns over 13 games. He was also used in the backfield, turning 13 carries into 160 yards.

Now operating with a new quarterback in Tanner Mordecai (SMU) this season, Bell could be in for another step forward with his production. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo, formerly with North Carolina, has brought his “Air Raid” offense to Madison, which certainly sounds like it could lead to an increase in passing success.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzzyj3n3jt6m7 player_id=none image=]

Badger Countdown: 30 catches for second-year wideout in 2022

The 2023 college football season is closing in and the Badgers are now 30 days away from their season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 2.

The 2023 college football season is closing in and the Badgers are now 30 days away from their season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 2. There are many changes within the football program with Luke Fickell taking over at head coach, but a returning wideout Skyler Bell will look to build upon his 30 catches from 2022.

Bell began his UW career in 2021, reeling in just one pass for 15 yards. He arrived in a big way in 2022, recording 30 receptions for 444 yards and five scores. Additionally, he ran the ball 13 times for a total of 160 yards, averaging 12.3 yards per carry.

He’ll look to take another step up in his third season in Madison, now operating with SMU-transfer quarterback Tanner Mordecai within new offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s “Air Raid” offense.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzzyj3n3jt6m7 player_id=none image=]

PHOTOS: Wisconsin falls to Iowa 24-10 in disappointing loss

Photos from Wisconsin football’s disappointing 24-10 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday afternoon:

The Wisconsin Badgers’ offense struggled immensely in their 24-10 loss on the road against Iowa. The Hawkeyes held the Badgers to 227 total yards and forced three turnovers from Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz.

Wisconsin’s lone bright spot on the day was a 51-yard touchdown reception from wide receiver Keontez Lewis before halftime. Otherwise, the offense couldn’t get moving and contributed to 10 points for the Hawkeyes from a fumble and a Mertz pick-six.

The Badgers’ defense played well given the difficult situations they were put in by the offense and were able to get after Iowa QB Spencer Petras. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig racked up three sacks and three tackles for loss. The Wisconsin defense also limited Iowa to 146 total yards.

Although the Badgers are likely out of the race for the Big Ten West, they can hopefully finish the season strong with wins against Nebraska and Minnesota.

Below are photos from Wisconsin’s disappointing 24-10 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday afternoon:

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.

PHOTOS: Wisconsin bests Purdue 35-24 on Homecoming

Some of the best photos from Wisconsin football’s 35-24 Homecoming victory over the Purdue Boilermakers:

On Saturday afternoon, the Wisconsin Badgers bested the Purdue Boilermakers in a 35-24 Homecoming victory. This win was crucial for the Badgers’ bowl eligibility, and they played up to the challenge, controlling the game from start to finish.

The Wisconsin defense shut down quarterback Aidan O’Connell and the Boilermakers’ offense with three interceptions. Badgers’ safety John Torchio grabbed two of the interceptions, including a 31-yard pick-six that helped them to build the 21-3 halftime lead.

The Wisconsin offense thrived in a well-balanced attack and took advantage of the short fields provided by the defense. Running back Braelon Allen had another 100-yard day on the ground, while Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz finished with 203 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The Badgers will have a bye week next weekend before facing the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall on Nov. 5.

Below are some of the best photos from Wisconsin football’s 35-24 Homecoming victory over the Purdue Boilermakers:

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.

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from week 3 win over New Mexico State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over New Mexico State, according to Pro Football Focus:

Head coach Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) took care of business at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon, beating the visiting New Mexico State Aggies 66-7 in a game that was never even close.

Bobby Engram’s offense ruled the day, producing 595 total yards of offense (335 passing, 260 rushing) and scoring the most points in a single game during the Chryst era.

I thought third-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz looked excellent on Saturday, completing 12-of-15 passes for 251 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. The Kansas native has taken a clear step forward and given the Badgers a respectable passing attack.

The Badgers, currently unranked, finished conference play on a high note and will now prepare for a grueling Big Ten slate that begins with a road test against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies, according to Pro Football Focus.

Twitter reacts to Wisconsin WR Skyler Bell doing something no Badger has done in three years

The Badger wide receiver had a career day

It was the Skyler Bell show on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall, as the redshirt freshman scored his first career touchdown in the lopsided victory.

Bell not only found pay dirt once, but twice in Wisconsin’s 66-7 win over New Mexico State. The New York native was the lone Badger receiver to surpass 100 yards on the day, finishing with four grabs for 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The two-touchdown performance was the first time a Badger wide receiver scored multiple touchdowns in a game since Quintez Cephus did it back in 2019 against Central Michigan.

Bell also helped quarterback Graham Mertz put together a third-straight 200-yard passing game for the first time in his career.

Here is how Wisconsin football Twitter reacted to the redshirt freshman’s big day: