Wisconsin enters the halftime break with a 17-3 lead over South Dakota.
The scoreboard tells an accurate story of the first half. Wisconsin dominated the game on both sides of the football.
The start to the game is notably far better than the Badgers’ performance in the first half against Western Michigan in Week 1. Instead of letting an inferior opponent hang around and stay in the game, Luke Fickell’s team has sent a clear message in the first half. They have left little doubt of which program is looking to build legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations.
The 14-point lead is thanks in large part to an all-around performance from Phil Longo’s offense. QB Tyler Van Dyke threw for 147 yards and a touchdown, RB Chez Mellusi added 38 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, and RB Cade Yacamelli surprisingly led the team with 72 all-purpose yards.
Before the teams exit the locker room for the second half, here are some initial observations:
First Half Stats
Wisconsin: 17
245 total yards (147 passing, 98 rushing). 4/7 on third/fourth down. 16:12 time of possession
South Dakota: 3
126 total yards (90 passing, 36 rushing). 2/6 on third/fourth down. 13:48 time of possession.
The offense was explosive
Wisconsin’s first drive included plays of 22 and 32 yards. Its second drive was capped off by a 50-yard touchdown pass. That is already three more 20-plus-yard plays than the team has last week against Western Michigan.
Explosive passing plays are an integral part of Longo’s air raid offense. It’s good to see the team finally connect down the field.
Wisconsin opened the playbook
A flea-flicker and elaborate RPO read option 50-yard touchdown pass are usually plays teams save for their biggest games. Next weekend against Alabama would quality as a ‘big game.’
But the Badgers have begun to open the playbook against South Dakota. It feels as if Longo and Fickell wanted to send a message after a sub-par Week 1 outing. They’re pulling all the stops to make that the case.
The defense created some havoc after a quiet Week 1
Wisconsin’s defense recorded one sack and one TFL against Western Michigan. It is already up to one sack and three TFLs in the first half against South Dakota. That increase in pressure is badly needed as the unit works to build its identity.
The havoc has come from strong play from several linebackers, plus DC Mike Tressel dialing up some creative pressure. The gameplan looks much more involved this week.
Cade Yacamelli excels in relief of Tawee Walker
Tawee Walker was a gameday scratch after being listed as questionable on the final injury report. Wisconsin is well-equipped to deal with his absence, especially with the play of redshirt sophomore Cade Yacamelli.
He has 72 total yards on nine touches in the first half. His year-to-year jump is extremely impressive.
This is what nonconference games should look like
A two-touchdown lead at the end of the first quarter should be the reality whenever an FCS opponent visits Madison.
This wouldn’t be news if last week’s struggles hadn’t happened. The Badgers’ sub-par performance against Western Michigan put a further emphasis on a strong start in this contest. Good news: the team delivered.
Many receivers getting involved
Wisconsin’s first-half box score includes receptions by four different receivers, three with average yards-per-touch numbers above 20. This distribution is a welcome sight after Week 1 saw little impact outside of Will Pauling.
Now, C.J. Williams has 50 yards and a score, and Bryson Green and Vinny Anthony each caught chunk plays. Pauling is sure to be right there as well as the game progresses.
Zero turnovers from Van Dyke
Van Dyke finished Week 1 with one turnover, but numerous other turnover-worthy moments. He has zero such plays in the first half against South Dakota. That is the most important part of his first-half performance.
True freshman CB Xavier Lucas is doing more and more
Lucas played a handful of snaps in the first half after only playing in the fourth quarter during Week 1. He continues to make a strong impression. 247Sports Evan Flood highlighted his discipline when South Dakota tried for a double-reverse pass:
It will go unnoticed, but South Dakota was going to pass that off the reverse.
Xavier Lucas, the true freshman, stayed home and saw it the whole way.
Instead, it’s just a 2-yard gain.#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 7, 2024
Lucas’ stock is trending way up in only Week 2.
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Publish date : 2024-09-07 10:06:00
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