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Wisconsin football: Big Ten West success hinges on Braelon Allen and his fellow running backs

Cole Thompson

By Cole Thompson

Published:

Yes, there’s still a chance for Wisconsin to win the Big Ten West. Heck, some would say that the Badgers could still fight for the conference title if the Badgers have everything swing their way on the right afternoon.

The Badgers’ 17-14 non-conference loss to Washington State last weekend isn’t the nail in the coffin on the season. Coach Paul Chryst had his roster locked in for 60 minutes Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium en route to a 66-7 win over New Mexico State.

Graham Mertz looked more consistent passing. The first-team defense held the Aggies to under 150 total yards and caused a pair of turnovers in the first half. The second-team offense even had a spark late thanks to running back Isaac Guerendo.

All that’s fine and dandy. But for Wisconsin to be one of the conference’s best, it has to rely on the run game. And no, that doesn’t mean just giving the ball to sophomore wunderkind Braelon Allen and calling it a day.

Allen dazzled his way to another quality performance. He scored 3 touchdowns in the first half, 2 coming from inside the red zone. His power took precedence in the red zone, but Allen also showed a bit of elusiveness in space, breaking free for a 39-yard touchdown on the opening drive to make it 7-0.

Allen wasn’t alone Saturday moving the chains. Senior Chez Mellusi bullied his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown to make it 14-0. He also broke free for back-to-back 16-yard runs that would lead to a score 5 plays later.

Guerendo might have played late in the 4th quarter, but he’s not a backup simply serving cleanup duty. The senior totaled 29 yards in the first quarter before Mellusi’s touchdown. He also averaged 6.2 yards per play and tacked on 2 touchdowns to his stat line. His 2 scores gave Wisconsin its largest win since 2014 over Bowling Green.

The Badgers finished with 260 rushing yards. They averaged 5.7 yards as a team and tallied 6 touchdowns on the ground. The top 3 backs shared the load, with none going over 100 yards but each netting at least 70.

It wasn’t a slow march to victory, either. Wisconsin needed less than 90 seconds to score on its opening drive. It needed 41 seconds to score Allen’s second TD and extend the lead to 28.

Consider the Badgers’ backfield as if it was a blockbuster movie. There’s the leading man in Allen, who people will pay top dollar to see in theatres. Mellusi is the scene-stealer who has people talking and wanting more. Guerendo’s role might be small, but it’s impactful one that leaves the audience captivated by the performance.

Ohio State’s run defense allowed Toledo to run for 124 yards. Illinois allowed Wyoming to rush for over 100 yards in Week 0. Northwestern hasn’t been able to stop anyone on the ground since its now less-than-impressive win over Nebraska in Dublin.

Those are the teams up next for Wisconsin. Wins over the Illini and Wildcats would give the Badgers a lead in the Big Ten West and a bump up in the rankings.

The offense limited Mertz to just 15 throws on Saturday in Madison. Would it be less against a team like Ohio State or Michigan?

For years, the Badgers’ offensive identity has been their ground game. From Ron Dayne to James White to Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin produces runners and plenty of good ones who can carry the weight of the offense. The 2022 season isn’t different.

Trust the run game, take the points, pick up the win. Wash, rinse, repeat. It might be boring, but it’s effective. That’s all Wisconsin needs to make it back to Lucas Oil Stadium.

Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.