Wisconsin

Wisconsin football fans react to Badgers’ 28-14 win over Western Michigan in season opener with uneasiness

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2024

Wisconsin football fans react to Badgers’ 28-14 win over Western Michigan in season opener with uneasiness

The Wisconsin football team faces some challenging teams in 2024, with three of its opponents (Alabama, Oregon and Penn State) in the preseason top 10.

Western Michigan wasn’t supposed to be among the biggest tests. They were predicted to be seventh in the Mid-American Conference.

But the Broncos gave the Badgers all they could handle for much of the season opener on Friday at Camp Randall Stadium and even led Wisconsin briefly in the fourth quarter before Luke Fickell’s squad finally rallied for the 28-14 win.

There were some notable performances like Chez Mellusi’s impressive comeback — it was his first game since fracturing his fibula nearly a year ago — the important fourth-down stand in the fourth quarter that led to the Badgers’ final score and the incredible interception late in the game by true freshman Xavier Lucas.

But the Badgers, despite controlling the time of possession, also left the game with mistakes to clean up.

It began with a missed field goal, it continued when they couldn’t finish long drives for a large chunk of the game and it didn’t look good after they allowed a fake field goal that turned into Western Michigan’s go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.

And taking into account the frustrating 2023 season, the showing for three-plus quarters led fans on social media to feel very uneasy about the prospects for the rest of the year.

5 takeaways: In Wisconsin football’s 28-14 win over Western Michigan in season opener

The Badgers should again be heavy favorites next week —they were favored by 24 points on Friday — against FCS opponent South Dakota, but national title contender Alabama comes to town in a couple weeks.

Here’s how social media reacted to Wisconsin’s Week 1 game.

Wisconsin defeats Western Michigan, 28-14

Ricardo Hallman is a reigning All-American for a reason

Xavier Lucas makes incredible interception late in the game with the Badgers ahead 28-14

Wisconsin football fans weren’t feeling too good about the showing for much of the game

Western Michigan took a 14-13 lead with 14:15 left in the fourth quarter after Jalen Buckley ran it in from 1-yard out. The Broncos’ TD came six plays after they recovered a fumble from Badgers quarterback Tyler Van Dyke at their own 34-yard line late in the third quarter.

The Badgers would regain the lead, 21-14, at the 10:35 mark after Walker scored from 6 yards out and Van Dyke connected with Trech Kekahuna in the back of the end zone for the two-point conversion.

The TD was set up thanks to a gift from Western Michigan. Wisconsin’s special teams recovered a live ball on a punt after it hit a retrieving Bronco on his back as he was running down the field.

The Badgers held the lead the rest of the way but that likely didn’t change a lot of fans’ perceptions.

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Wisconsin

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Austin Brown, S, Wisconsin

Published

8 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Austin Brown, S, Wisconsin

It is never too early to evaluate defensive back depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. Todd Bowles’ defense relies heavily on versatile safeties who can rotate between deep coverage, the slot, and the box while maintaining physicality against the run. Identifying defensive backs who bring positional flexibility and strong tackling ability remains an important part of building depth in Tampa Bay’s secondary.

We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Wisconsin safety Austin Brown.

Information

School: Wisconsin
Conference: Big Ten
Position: Safety
Height Weight: 6-1, 215 pounds
Class: Senior
Hometown: Johnston City, Illinois

Background

Brown developed into a reliable defensive presence during his time at Wisconsin, progressing from a special teams contributor early in his career to a full-time starter in the secondary. After appearing in all 13 games during his freshman season primarily on special teams, Brown steadily expanded his role within the Badgers’ defense over the next three seasons.

By 2024, Brown had earned eight starts and finished the season with 51 tackles, three pass breakups, one sack, and a forced fumble. One of his standout performances came against USC, where he recorded nine tackles and delivered a strip-sack while adding two tackles for loss. His ability to contribute in multiple ways helped establish him as a dependable defensive back in Wisconsin’s secondary.

Brown took on an even larger role in 2025, starting all 12 games and finishing the year with 52 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three passes defended. His most productive outing came against Alabama, where he recorded 11 tackles and a tackle for loss. Throughout the season, he showed versatility by aligning at safety, slot defender, and occasionally outside corner, depending on the defensive package.

Academically, Brown also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors multiple times during his career.

Notable Stats

672 total snaps
43 tackles
14 assisted tackles
3 passes defended
1 pressure
1 hurry

Brown’s 2024 season stands out as his most efficient evaluation year, highlighted by a 73.7 overall defensive grade and an 85.8 tackling grade according to PFF.

Pro Day Testing

Brown also helped himself significantly during Wisconsin’s pro day testing session. His 20 repetitions on the bench press would have ranked as the top mark among safeties at the 2026 NFL Combine, surpassing the leading total of 18 reps recorded by a safety in Indianapolis.

He followed that with a 43-inch vertical jump, which would have also placed him at the top of the safety group at the combine. Arizona safety Genesis Smith recorded a 42.5-inch vertical during combine testing.

Those testing numbers highlight Brown’s explosiveness and upper-body strength. While his production reflects a steady defensive contributor, the athletic testing shows physical tools that could help him get drafted and carve out a role at the next level.

Skills

High-effort defensive back
Versatile alignment experience across the secondary
Strong tackling production for the position
Physical build at 6-1, 215 pounds
Reliable short-area pursuit
Experience playing safety, slot, and outside coverage roles
Disciplined run support

Brown’s versatility stands out when evaluating his role in Wisconsin’s defense. He logged snaps at multiple positions in the secondary, including free safety, slot defender, and outside coverage assignments, depending on the defensive package.

His physical build allows him to contribute effectively against the run. Brown consistently works downhill to finish tackles and limit yards after contact. His tackling efficiency improved significantly between 2023 and 2024, which showed up in his strong tackling grade during the 2024 season.

In coverage, Brown shows awareness of zone concepts and the ability to stay involved around the football. While he does not profile as a pure center-field range safety, his instincts and effort allow him to remain active within structured defensive schemes.

Player Summary

Austin Brown projects as a Day 3 draft selection who offers value as a versatile defensive back capable of contributing in multiple alignments. His combination of size, tackling reliability, and positional flexibility gives him a pathway to carve out a role as a rotational safety and special teams contributor early in his career.

In Tampa Bay, Brown would profile as a developmental depth option in Todd Bowles’ secondary. His experience playing multiple positions in the defensive backfield fits well with the variety of roles required in Bowles’ defense, giving him the potential to grow into a dependable rotational defender while contributing on special teams.

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Wisconsin

[Photo Story] Penn State Men’s Hockey Disappoints Against Wisconsin

Published

20 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

[Photo Story] Penn State Men’s Hockey Disappoints Against Wisconsin

With the last regular-season series, No. 6 Penn State men’s hockey dropped both games to No. 11 Wisconsin over the weekend. The Nittany Lions were outplayed both nights, wrapping up their season to finish with a record of 20-12-2.

Of course, our photographers were at Pegula Ice Arena to capture all the action. Let’s take a look.

Wisconsin was dominant in both games against Penn State, winning 7-3 and 5-2, respectively. The Badgers outshot the Nittany Lions 41-31 on Thursday and 37-25 on Friday. Charlie Cerrato made a notable appearance. He played his first game back on Friday after being injured January 9 against Minnesota.

In Thursday’s game, the Nittany Lions fought for the first two periods, but the Badgers’ goal opened the third period and killed all of the momentum. In Friday’s game, the Nittany Lions fell behind from the very start and never built momentum to overcome the deficit.

Penn State now goes on to the Big Ten Tournament, where it will go up against Minnesota at home. Puck is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.

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Ella is a second-year Telecommunications major from Miami, Florida. She enjoys taking photos, listening to all genres of music, coffee, and has become a self proclaimed grandma. If needed, you can contact her through email at [email protected] or on Twitter @ellawehm

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Wisconsin Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for March 8, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for March 8, 2026

The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 8 drawing

Midday: 2-3-5

Evening: 2-2-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 8 drawing

Midday: 6-2-7-6

Evening: 4-8-7-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning All or Nothing numbers from March 8 drawing

Midday: 02-04-05-07-09-10-12-17-19-20-22

Evening: 02-03-05-06-08-09-12-13-14-16-18

Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Badger 5 numbers from March 8 drawing

05-15-17-20-24

Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning SuperCash numbers from March 8 drawing

05-11-19-29-30-31, Doubler: Y

Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.

Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?

No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.

When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.

That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **

WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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