Quick Reactions to the Badgers' Season Opener Win

The Badgers won their season opener against Western Michigan by a score of 28-14. It wasn't the prettiest game for Wisconsin, but in the end, they got the job done. Here are some quick reactions and thoughts on the game.

Tawee Walker started the game at running back, but it looks like he and Mellusi will be a true 1A and 1B this season. Walker struggled a bit early, but his late touchdown bulldozing defenders was the highlight of the night for the offense. Both runners finished with a touchdown.

It's hard to say if it was part of the gameplan or just what the Bronco defense was allowing, but it was dink and dunk city for the Badger passing offense all game. The longest completion of the night was only 17 yards and Tyler Van Dyke never really even attempted to go deep.

Speaking of Van Dyke, he didn't look especially sharp and could've easily had two or three interceptions. His ball placement was all over the place, and several balls were tipped up into the air that luckily fell innocently to the turf. A 58% completion percentage just isn't going to cut it against stronger teams.

The Badger defensive line is going to miss James Thompson Jr. The team had one single sack and tackle for loss the whole game and it came in garbage time. The Broncos run game looked strong and probably would've continued to roll had they not been in catch-up mode most of the fourth quarter.

Backup slot receiver Trech Kekahuna should see the field more. He looked sharp whenever he was out there, so we'll see if his playing time increases throughout the season.

A botched punt return saved the Badgers, but overall there's still a bad taste in the mouth after this one. The Badgers were down in the third quarter and things were looking desperate until a lucky bounce completely shifted the momentum in the Badgers' favor. Still, even after taking control and winning by two scores, there's so much the team needs to clean up.

Not to overreact but...Alabama is going to be scary. A lot of folks will blame week one jitters, or new transfers still trying to mesh, but I don't buy that. Every team is going through the exact same things. Wisconsin has a lot to figure out before the Tide come to town.

Overall a win is a win. It wasn't always pretty, but the Badgers will face South Dakota next week sitting at 1-0.