Former Badger wide receiver enjoying breakout game with new team

After two seasons as one of the more productive receivers with the Badgers, senior Will Pauling transferred to Notre Dame this offseason for his final year of college ball. While has hardly saw the field in the Fighting Irish's first three game, he's been enjoying a breakout game on Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

At the half, Pauling had racked 53 yards, 11 more than his season total of 42 yards entering the matchup. He also hauled in a nice touchdown, his first of the year, from CJ Carr to put the Irish up 11.

Will Pauling gets back on track after quiet start to the season

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It's been a rough start for Pauling at Notre Dame, who prior to today's game had just four catches on the year. The former Badger had 116 catches over two seasons with Wisconsin, but inconsistencies at quarterback and the offense as a whole left Pauling looking for a better fit. He was named a captain for Notre Dame ahead of the season, but it's taken until week four for him to make a big impact on the field.

Hopefully this type of game can open the floodgates for Pauling, who entered the year with hopes of making the NFL on his mind. Notre Dame has sparingly used a slot receiver so far, which unfortunately is Pauling's best fit, but maybe after his breakout performance this week things will start to change.

The Badgers meanwhile, sit at 2-2, and have lacked offensive production. They've averaged just 21 points per game, and have blown out the last two weeks in a row. The leading receiver this season is actually a tight end, as Lance Mason has hauled in 14 passes for 177 yards while receiver Vinny Anthony is in a close second with 161 yards.