Wisconsin Badgers football opens its 2024 season against Western Illinois on September 7, marking the first meeting between the programs since 2020. The Leathernecks enter the matchup with a 3-9 record from last season but have shown flashes of competitiveness in key areas, including a 42-39 overtime win over Illinois State in late October. Wisconsin, returning key offensive weapons like quarterback Red Bryant and wide receiver Jalen Taylor, will need to manage Western Illinois’ aggressive offense while controlling the clock in a game where turnovers could decide the outcome.
Western Illinois, under first-year head coach Mike Hollis, has retooled its roster with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. The Leathernecks’ offense, ranked 115th nationally in total offense per game last year, will rely on quarterback Tyler Bradley (1,874 yards, 11 TDs) and a physical running game led by Javon Williams (700 rushing yards). Wisconsin’s defense, however, has been a bright spot in 2023, finishing 11th in the Big Ten in points allowed per game, and will need to limit Western Illinois’ explosive playmakers.
This preview examines the Leathernecks’ key personnel, their offensive and defensive schemes, and how Wisconsin’s coaching staff—led by Luke Fickell—plans to counter their strengths. With the Badgers’ first home game of the season on the line, clock management and special teams could be the difference-makers.
Why This Game Matters for Wisconsin’s 2024 Season
The September 7 matchup against Western Illinois serves as Wisconsin’s first true test of its offseason work. While the Leathernecks are unranked and carry a losing record, their 2023 campaign included two wins over Power Five programs—Illinois State and Northern Illinois—and a 42-39 overtime victory over the Redbirds in October. That game featured six turnovers, including three interceptions by Western Illinois’ defense, a unit that allowed just 20.3 points per game last season.
For Wisconsin, the game presents an opportunity to fine-tune its offensive identity under new offensive coordinator Todd Graham. The Badgers’ offense, which ranked 10th in the Big Ten in total offense last year, will need to establish early rhythm against a Western Illinois defense that ranks 115th nationally in passing efficiency allowed but has shown the ability to disrupt quarterbacks with aggressive coverage.
Key stat: Western Illinois’ defense forced 22 turnovers in 2023, the second-highest total in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Wisconsin, which lost 14 turnovers last season, will need to limit giveaways to avoid falling into a similar trap.
Western Illinois’ Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Western Illinois’ offense is built on a physical ground game and a quarterback who thrives in short-yardage situations. Bradley, a transfer from Northern Illinois, completed 62.3% of his passes last year with 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. His strength lies in his ability to read defenses and make quick throws, a trait that could test Wisconsin’s secondary early in the season.
The Leathernecks’ running attack, led by Williams (700 rushing yards, 6.1 yards per carry), is a potential matchup nightmare for Wisconsin’s defensive line. Williams is a power back who can break tackles and gain extra yards after contact, and he’ll look to exploit any gaps in Wisconsin’s interior defense. The Badgers’ defensive line, which allowed 12 sacks in 2023, will need to stay disciplined to limit Williams’ effectiveness.
Comparison: Williams’ 6.1 yards per carry in 2023 outpaced Wisconsin’s average rushing yards per carry (5.2) by nearly a full yard. If the Leathernecks can establish early, Wisconsin’s offensive line—ranked 120th nationally in run defense allowed—could struggle to contain them.
Wisconsin’s Defensive Game Plan: Stopping the Run and Controlling Turnovers
Fickell’s defense, which allowed just 18.5 points per game last year, will need to prioritize two areas: stopping Western Illinois’ run game and limiting turnovers. The Leathernecks’ offense is designed to wear down defenses with physical running and short passes, so Wisconsin’s defensive line and linebackers will need to disrupt the play early.
Wisconsin’s secondary, led by cornerback Darius Washington (61 tackles, 2 interceptions), will face its first major test of the season. Washington, a senior, will need to lock down Western Illinois’ slot receivers, including Jalen Carter, who caught 48 passes for 610 yards last year.
Coaching insight: Fickell has emphasized the importance of “taking away the easy yards” in practice. Against Western Illinois, that means limiting Bradley’s ability to find open receivers in the middle of the field. Wisconsin’s nickelback, Trevon Moorer, will play a key role in covering Carter and other speedy targets.
Special Teams: A Potential Wildcard
Special teams could decide this game. Western Illinois’ kick returner, Tyler Green, averaged 22.1 yards per kickoff return last year, including a 75-yard touchdown against Illinois State. Wisconsin’s punt returner, Jalen Taylor, is a dual-threat weapon who could provide a spark on offense if given the opportunity.
The Badgers’ kicking game, which went 15-for-18 on field goals last year, will need to be sharp. Western Illinois’ field position could be a major factor if Wisconsin struggles to pin the Leathernecks deep.
What to Watch in the First Quarter
The first quarter will set the tone for the game. Western Illinois’ offense is designed to establish early control, and if they can move the ball quickly, Wisconsin’s defense could find itself in a reactive position. Key areas to monitor:
- Clock management: Wisconsin’s offense will need to limit third-down conversions to avoid giving Western Illinois extended drives.
- Turnovers: Western Illinois’ defense has been aggressive in taking the ball away, and Wisconsin will need to protect the football.
- Special teams: A missed field goal or a long kickoff return could shift momentum early.
Historical Context: Wisconsin vs. Western Illinois
This will be the first meeting between Wisconsin and Western Illinois since 2020, when the Badgers won 42-14 in a non-conference game. The Leathernecks have improved under Hollis, who took over in 2023 after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator for two seasons. Western Illinois’ 2023 campaign included wins over Illinois State and Northern Illinois, both of which have Power Five programs.
At a glance:
| Season | Wisconsin Record | Western Illinois Record | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6-3 | 3-9 | Wisconsin 42, Western Illinois 14 |
| 2019 | 8-5 | 5-7 | Western Illinois 38, Wisconsin 24 |
| 2018 | 7-6 | 4-8 | Western Illinois 45, Wisconsin 38 |
How Wisconsin Can Win: Three Keys
To secure the win, Wisconsin will need to execute in three critical areas:
- Control the clock: Wisconsin’s offense will need to limit third-down conversions to avoid giving Western Illinois extended drives. If the Badgers can move the ball quickly on first and second down, they can keep the Leathernecks off the field.
- Protect the football: Western Illinois’ defense has been aggressive in taking the ball away, and Wisconsin will need to limit turnovers. The Badgers lost 14 turnovers last year, and avoiding a similar fate will be crucial.
- Stop the run: Western Illinois’ ground game is a major strength, and Wisconsin’s defensive line will need to disrupt Williams and other key runners. If the Leathernecks can establish early, Wisconsin’s offense could struggle to gain traction.
What Comes Next: Wisconsin’s Full 2024 Schedule
After the Western Illinois game, Wisconsin’s schedule includes a home matchup against Northern Illinois on September 14, followed by a road trip to Michigan State on September 21. The Badgers will look to build momentum early in the season, with their first Big Ten game coming against Minnesota on October 5.
Fans can expect more previews and analysis as the season approaches, including deeper dives into Wisconsin’s non-conference opponents and Big Ten matchups. For now, the focus remains on preparing for Western Illinois—a game that could set the tone for the Badgers’ entire campaign.
Reader question: How do you think Wisconsin’s offensive line will fare against Western Illinois’ run game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay tuned to Archyde.com for live updates, analysis, and reactions from the Wisconsin vs. Western Illinois game on September 7.
