The Badgers Are Laying Down a Reverse Card This Season

The Badgers had an up and down year in 2023. The coaching staff could choose to run things back and just tweak things here or there, but it looks like the team will go a completely different direction in a few key areas.

Running Game

Last season the Badgers had a true workhorse at running back in Braelon Allen. He was the guy when it came to putting the team on his back. But after he was selected in this year's NFL draft, the Badgers may be forced to change up their methodology at the running back position.

By all accounts, Chez Mellusi and new transfer Tawee Walker are forming a 1A and 1B duo at running back, so don't be surprised if the team implements an almost even 50/50 split between the two. The Badgers also have good depth beyond the two starters, including an impressive pair of freshman in Darrian Dupree and Dilin Jones. Barring any injuries, Wisconsin will be much deeper at running back this season and the carries will be divided up much more than with Allen. So although the raw talent might not be as high, the depth will be a new luxury.

Pass Rush

The Badger pass rush last season was anemic, and they'll need to get more out of that group in 2024. So how will the Badgers address that? Schematically things might not change a ton, but they did go out and bring in some new transfers to help bring the heat.

Leon Lowery and John Pius are two new players for Wisconsin this year, and if camp is any indication of what we might see this season, the two are are going to reach the quarterback a lot. Brandon Lane, the transfer from Stephen F. Austin, has also shown flashes along the defensive line, something that is sorely needed to pair along with James Thompson Jr. With a solid secondary and linebacking core, the defensive line and edge rushes are something of a final piece to the Wisconsin defensive puzzle.

Luke Fickell

The last big reversal the team could have is with the head man himself, Luke Fickell. In his first full season at Wisconsin, he struggled to establish an identity with the team, leading to an average 7-6 record, including losing four out of five during one stretch.

Throughout the offseason Fickell has stressed the importance of leadership, from both his players and his coaches. At times last year it seemed as though both groups may have been just going through the motions. Fickell isn't going to turn into some tyrant who demands perfection, but there is a sense that he'll be much more focused on getting everyone aligned. X's and O's will always be a big part of football, but Fickell will be much more aware of how his team handles adversity this season and will be quick to point out to his players and coaches the ways they can improve in that sense.

The Badgers are going to look different this season, and that's not the worst thing. Another repeat of 2023 will not sit well with fans and, although some of the changes may be out of necessity, the team will have to adapt.