The highly anticipated Luke Fickell air raid era has begun. Gone are the days of 300+ pound linemen dominating the day and opening up huge holes for smash-mouth runners to go hog wild. But wait, Wisconsin did just that in the season opener. So what happened? With the transfer portal and NIL, coaches have been able to change programs in their image immediately but why completely teardown a house when all that’s needed is a remodel? When you have Braelon Allen and Chaz Mellusi at your disposal why not use them till you get your feet wet in the B1G and win a game while you develop your offense? Tanner Mordecai wasn’t lights out but his performance wasn’t abysmal. He finished the day going 24 of 31 for 189 with a touchdown and two picks. Mellusi and Allen were the stars gaining 298 yards on 30 carries while getting into the end zone four times. The defense didn’t play like Jim Leonard’s defense of old but it got the job done. This wasn’t the game that Luke Fickell was brought in to win anyway. This was the game Wisconsin always wins. Next week is going to be the first test to see if second coming of Barry Alvarez in the Mad City. We’re on to Wazzu in Pullman, Washington.
James