The Wisconsin Badgers beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks in a 17-0 shutout to start the season, getting through some adversity with a strong defensive performance.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Football: 4 winners and 2 losers after Week 1
While it wasn’t the prettiest game, there was much to take away from the game, as several players made their mark, while others disappointed in the season opener.
Whose stock is up and whose stock is down after the season opener?
Stock Up: Sebastian Cheeks
Outside linebacker Mason Reiger’s stock was already high after a strong showing during fall camp. And he proved that with a great complementary performance on Thursday, stopping the run at a high level, while constantly generating pressure as a pass-rusher.
But, nobody improved their stock more in the outside linebacker room than Sebastian Cheeks, who was dominant in the opener.
Cheeks was a constant presence up front, showing good effort, edge-setting ability, and even getting pressure on the quarterback. After moving to outside linebacker last offseason, Cheeks was seen as a pass-rushing specialist.
But, he’s bulked up and now is a three-down player, having good pursuit and good edge setting for quarterback contains, while also teeing up off the edge alongside Reiger. That duo should be a big positive for Wisconsin this season.
Stock Down: Davis Heinzen at LT
One of the biggest question marks heading into the season was who would play at left tackle after Kevin Heywood’s torn ACL in the spring. Former Vanderbilt transfer Leyton Nelson struggled when stepping up with the first-team offense back in the spring, which led to guard Joe Brunner getting some reps at tackle.
That led Wisconsin to nab Central Michigan transfer Davis Heinzen in the spring transfer portal, hoping to get some experience at the position.
Then, in the fall, the Badgers tested out a few options, with Brunner, Heinzen, and guard-turned-tackle J.P. Benzschawel getting reps before Wisconsin settled on Heinzen.
Well, the left tackle really struggled in Week 1, both in pass protection and in the run game, albeit much more in the former. He gave up five pressures and two sacks, according to PFF, but there just didn’t seem to be any stability on the left side for quarterback Danny O’Neil.
Wisconsin did pull Heinzen late for Leyton Nelson, who got the final seven snaps of the game. They face Middle Tennessee State this week, and there may need to be some conversations about moving around the offensive line, given the daunting schedule ahead of the Badgers this season.
Wisconsin could move Brunner out to left tackle, but they don’t have much depth either at tackle or on the interior, raising questions as to who their five best linemen could be.
Stock Up: Christian Alliegro
Wisconsin has had experience, but not really much consistency, over the past few years at linebacker, where the standard of play has certainly dropped from the program’s historical record.
Well, Christian Alliegro had a strong start to the year as the team’s lead linebacker, making plays and showing off his athleticism and versatility. Now, everything wasn’t clean: Alliegro had a bad edge set on the defense’s third drive that allowed a run to kick out to the edge, which was an issue for the defense last year. He also missed a tackle that would’ve led to a sack on a well-timed linebacker blitz.
But, the linebacker wrapped up well on open field tackles, making some major momentum plays there, including a big sack as quarterback Daequan Finn escaped the pocket, and finished with four tackles.
It’s Week 1 against an opponent Wisconsin needed to beat convincingly, but I like what I saw from the linebacker play on Thursday.
Stock Down: Atticus Bertrams’s shank
The Badgers have dealt with special teams woes over the past few years. So, it wasn’t pretty to see Atticus Bertrams shank his first punt, which went for only 20 yards and gave the RedHawks prime field position early in the game.
Now, the defense settled in, and Bertrams punted well enough afterwards, averaging 42.5 yards per punt outside of the miss, but consistency needs to be there for the Badgers punter.
Stock Up: Jeff Grimes’s creativity
We didn’t get to see the full look after Billy Edwards’s injury, but Jeff Grimes’s offense is trending up after Week 1.
There were quite a few players who got a touch, with Grimes mixing up the run game to involve receivers and running backs, and he had the right adjustments early after a quick punt.
Understanding Miami’s initial aggressiveness against the run, Grimes began to dial up the quick passing game, which Billy Edwards executed well, moving the ball down the field. That opened up the run game, with the creativity showing from Grimes.
It may be a while before Edwards gets back under center, but you can see the potential of this offense when things are going well and if those deep shots start to hit.
After transferring in last offseason, Brandon Lane didn’t have as big a role as initially expected. Then, Wisconsin brought in a boatload of transfers this offseason, raising questions about where Lane fits in this year.
Well, that’s with the starters, as Lane was a force on Thursday, especially as a pass-rusher, where he was able to drive interior linemen back into the pocket and make things uncomfortable for quarterback Daequan Finn.
Wisconsin rotated a ton, but Lane was second amongst defensive linemen in snaps and seems to be a regular in the rotation going forward.
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There are several events happening across the area this weekend, including festivals, sports, and art exhibits.
Art in Bloom transforms the Milwaukee Art Museum with floral installations inspired by artwork in the museum. The annual event runs through Sunday, and timed tickets are needed.
It is the opening weekend of the 18th annual Milwaukee Film Festival. Screenings are taking place at the Downer and Oriental theaters. Several local films are being screened along with national and international films.
WATCH: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival and more. What are you doing this weekend?
Wisconsin Weekend in a Minute
Wee Whiskey Fest returns to Lake Geneva with a full weekend of tastings, entertainment, and events. Saturday’s Grand Tasting features more than 150 premium bourbons and whiskies, with more festivities happening all weekend long.
At the Milwaukee Admirals game tonight, it is Fair Deal Friday. Fans who grab an Admirals ticket will get a free Fair ticket. It is also Fan Appreciation Night with plenty of giveaways, and the first 2,500 fans will get a one-of-a-kind Admirals and Brewers t-shirt.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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(WLUK) — Many roads remain closed as Northeast Wisconsin continues to deal with the effects of heavy rain and flooding.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released this list of road closures Thursday for state highways in the area:
Highway 147 is closed at Church Street in Mishicot due to flooding.
- A detour route is posted using County V, WIS 42 and County VV.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from near N. Maple Street/Highway 47 in Black Creek to Hooyman Road/County M west of Shiocton due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for southbound: Take Highway 47 to County S to County M.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from East Avenue in Shiocton to Oak Crest Drive in Stephensville due to flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from County D in Bear Creek to Highway 54 in Shiocton because of flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from Gorges Road in Northport to Jeanne Street in New London due to flooding on roadway. NOTE: Highway 45 north and south of New London is closed for an ongoing construction project.
- Alternate Route for eastbound traffic: Traffic will exit Highway 54 at Highway 110/22, north on Highway 110/22 to County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B to Highway 22, east on Highway 22 to US 45, north on US 45 to Highway 22, North on Highway 22 to Highway 156, East on Highway 156 to Highway 47, south on Highway 47 back to Highway 54.
- Reverse for westbound.
Highway 187 from Highway 156 in Shawano County to Highway 54 in Outagamie County is closed in both directions due to flooding.
- Alternate route for southbound: Highway 156 to Highway 47 to Highway 54.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 110 is closed in both directions south of Manawa from County B in Manawa to County BB due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for northbound: Northbound traffic will exit WIS 110 at County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B back to Highway 110.
- Reverse for southbound.
If you can safely take a photo or video of conditions where you are, share it with us here:
The DOT also gave these tips for safe driving during flood conditions:
- Please make sure you have the flooding tab clicked on the 511 map to view all locations of flooding.
- Never attempt to cross a water-covered road. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Do not ignore barricades or road closure signs.
Flash flooding can occur suddenly anywhere in the area.
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- Always check current road conditions before traveling:
- Visit the 511 Wisconsin website for the latest weather and road alerts.
- Motorists should plan extra time for travel, use designated alternate routes, and exercise extreme caution in low-lying areas. Conditions may change rapidly.
- For the latest updates, monitor the 511 Wisconsin website. Stay safe and drive smart when in doubt, turn around and find another way.
- For real-time information, please check the 511 Wisconsin website or call 511.
(WLUK) — More rain is on the way for Northeast Wisconsin.
Flood warnings are currently in effect for many area rivers and streams as recent rainfall has pushed some to reach flood level.
This morning, there’s a dense fog advisory in place.
Visibility could drop to a quarter mile in some places.
Today there’s a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms.
It will then become mostly sunny with a high near 66.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high of 70 before our Next Weathermaker brings showers and thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.
Some of those storms could become severe with damaging wind, large hail and a few tornadoes.
Our area is in a level 2 and 3 out of 5 for severe weather risk.
If you see severe weather in your area and can safely take a photo or video, Chime In here:
After the rain tomorrow night, we should have a string of dry days, which will help with dropping high river levels.
Saturday we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.
It will be windy with a high near 48.
Winds could gust to 35 mph out of the northwest.
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Click here for Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak’s full forecast.
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