Alabama Football and Their First Big Test: Dominating Wisconsin at Camp Randall
The University of Alabama Football team entered Camp Randall Stadium on September 14th, 2024, to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers in a highly anticipated matchup. Alabama, the perennial powerhouse from the SEC, had a lot riding on this game as they sought to cement their standing as a top contender for the national championship. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Badgers, representing the Big Ten, were looking to make a statement on their home turf. They aimed to prove their physical style of play could match up against one of college football’s elite teams. For Alabama this game was expected to be their toughest challenges of the season so far. This especially due to hostile environment of Camp Randall in play.
Alabama’s Statement Win: 42-10 Over Wisconsin
On a chilly Saturday afternoon in Madison, Alabama Football not only met the challenge—they dominated it. The Crimson Tide’s convincing 42-10 win against Wisconsin demonstrated once again why they are serious contenders for the national championship. This was the first time Alabama had played at Camp Randall since 1928. They certainly made the trip worth it by dismantling Wisconsin on their home turf.
The star of the game was quarterback Jalen Milroe, who led Alabama’s offensive charge with five total touchdowns. Milroe, showing his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, threw three touchdown passes and added two more on the ground. With this win, Alabama improved to 3-0 on the season. solidifying their place in the national championship conversation. For Wisconsin, the game turned from bad to worse when their starting quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke, went down with a knee injury during the Badgers’ first series, throwing the team’s season into uncertainty.
Jalen Milroe’s MVP-Caliber Performance
Jalen Milroe has been one of the most exciting players in college football this season, and his performance against Wisconsin only further lived up to that reputation. After a strong finish to last season, where he came in sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, Milroe has elevated his game to new heights in 2024. Against Wisconsin, he completed 12 of 17 passes for 196 yards, showcasing his ability to efficiently pick apart defenses. His touchdown throws included a 31-yard strike to freshman receiver Ryan Williams, a 26-yard pass to wideout Germie Bernard, and a 37-yard toss to tight end Josh Cuevas.
Milroe’s impact wasn’t limited to the passing game. He used his legs to gain 75 yards on 14 carries, scoring two additional touchdowns on the ground. His 3-yard run in the first half and a 10-yard burst in the third quarter underscored just how dangerous he can be as a runner. Through three games, Milroe has accounted for 14 total touchdowns—eight through the air and six on the ground—making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to extend plays, combined with his precision in throwing the ball downfield, puts tremendous pressure on any team trying to stop him.
The Offensive Line’s Big Turnaround
Much of Milroe’s success can be attributed to the improvement in Alabama’s offensive line. Which had been struggling with penalties and inconsistency in the season’s early weeks. The return of left tackle Jadyn Proctor, who had missed the first two games due to a shoulder injury, made a huge difference. His presence provided the offensive line with the stability it desperately needed.
In Alabama’s previous game, a 42-16 win over South Florida, the offensive line committed nine penalties, constantly stalling the offense’s momentum. However, against Wisconsin, the line played much more cleanly. They didn’t allow a single sack and paved the way for 226 yards of rushing, while the team only committed four penalties. Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised the unit after the game, emphasizing how much more disciplined and in sync the team looked with Proctor back in the fold. “We’re making strides, and today we were much more in sync,” DeBoer said.
Wisconsin’s Struggles Without Van Dyke
Wisconsin came into the game hoping to pull off an upset. Their chances took a huge blow early in the first quarter when quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was injured. Van Dyke, a transfer from Miami, had been solid for the Badgers in their first two games. However, his knee injury on a scramble play brought an abrupt end to his day. Van Dyke then had to be carted off the field. Without their leader under center, Wisconsin struggled to find any rhythm on offense.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Braedyn Locke stepped in for Van Dyke and showed some promise, completing 13 of 26 passes for 125 yards and a 3-yard touchdown to Will Pauling. But Locke’s inexperience became apparent as he faced Alabama’s relentless defense. Wisconsin’s offense never regained the momentum they had with Van Dyke, and the Badgers failed to keep pace with Alabama’s potent offense. After the game, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Van Dyke’s injury, saying, “It doesn’t look good for him, but we’ll know more soon.”
Alabama Football Takes Control Late in the First Half
For much of the first half, Wisconsin managed to stay within striking distance. With Alabama leading 14-3, Wisconsin had a chance to close the gap late in the second quarter. Locke led the Badgers into field-goal range, but kicker Nathanial Vakos missed a 44-yard attempt that would have brought Wisconsin within one score. Alabama wasted no time capitalizing on Wisconsin’s missed opportunity. Milroe connected with Ryan Williams for a 47-yard bomb, setting Alabama up deep in Wisconsin territory with only seconds left in the half. Milroe then found Germie Bernard in the end zone, extending Alabama’s lead to 21-3.
That quick strike before halftime was a crushing blow for Wisconsin, and the Badgers couldn’t recover. Alabama received the ball to start the second half and immediately put the game out of reach. Running back Jam Miller broke free for a 34-yard touchdown, making it 28-3 and effectively sealing the victory.
Wisconsin’s Missed Opportunities
Wisconsin’s offense struggled throughout the game, plagued by mistakes and missed opportunities. While Van Dyke’s injury was a critical setback, the Badgers made several costly errors that compounded their problems. Two turnovers led directly to Alabama touchdowns, and their decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 deep in their own territory also backfired. Additionally, Alabama’s defense did a great job containing Wisconsin’s star running back, Braelon Allen, holding him to just 64 yards on 16 carries. With Wisconsin unable to establish a consistent passing attack, Alabama was able to focus on shutting down the run game.
Locke showed flashes of potential in the second half, but he couldn’t overcome Alabama’s aggressive defense. The Crimson Tide sacked him three times, and Alabama’s defensive backs intercepted him twice. Locke’s lone touchdown came late in the game. By then, the outcome had already been decided.
Alabama’s Defense Bounces Back
Alabama’s defense came into the game looking to bounce back after an inconsistent performance the week prior against South Florida. Against Wisconsin, the Tide’s defense responded with a much more disciplined and opportunistic effort. They forced two turnovers, pressured Locke throughout the game, and held Wisconsin to just 125 passing yards. Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell led Alabama football on the defensive front, making life difficult for Wisconsin’s offensive line all afternoon.
In the secondary, Alabama improved its coverage after some early-season struggles. The defense also cleaned up the penalties that plagued them earlier in the season, committing far fewer penalties. While the defense looked dominant, they did suffer a couple of injuries. Linebacker Qua Russaw and running back Richard Young both left the game and will need to be monitored moving forward.
The Road Ahead for Alabama and Wisconsin
For Alabama, this win serves as a crucial step in their pursuit of another national championship. Jalen Milroe’s continued rise as a dual-threat quarterback puts them in a great position to contend for the College Football Playoff. Head coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized the importance of staying focused as they enter the heart of their SEC schedule. “We’ve got a long season ahead, but this was a big step forward for us,” DeBoer said. “We need to keep building on this momentum.”
Wisconsin, on the other hand, faces a more uncertain future. The severity of Van Dyke’s knee injury remains unclear, but if he misses significant time, Wisconsin’s chances of competing for a Big Ten title could take a serious hit. Locke showed potential, but he’ll need to develop quickly if the Badgers hope to stay competitive in conference play. Coach Fickell remained optimistic despite the loss, saying, “We’ve got a lot to work on, but I believe in this team. We’ll bounce back.”
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Milroe is Emerging as a Heisman Contender: Milroe’s five-touchdown performance against Wisconsin adds to his growing resume as one of the top players in college football. His dual threat ability makes him a difficult player to defend, and he should continue to be in the Heisman conversation as the season progresses.
- The line of Alabama Football: With left tackle Jadyn Proctor back in the lineup, Alabama’s offensive line looked much more cohesive, giving Milroe the protection he needed to thrive. If the line continues to play like this, Alabama’s offense will be difficult to stop.
- Wisconsin’s Season in Jeopardy: Tyler Van Dyke’s injury casts a shadow over the rest of Wisconsin’s season. Without their starting quarterback, the Badgers may struggle to remain competitive in the Big Ten.
