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Wisconsin Football Crystal Ball: Bold predictions vs Penn State

By Brian Sampson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 23: Paul Chryst, head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks during the Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 23: Paul Chryst, head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks during the Big Ten Football Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Graham Mertz #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to hand the ball to teammate running back Jalen Berger #8 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Graham Mertz #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to hand the ball to teammate running back Jalen Berger #8 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin football crystal ball prediction: Both Berger and Mellusi have 15 touches

The Badgers’ running game is in disarray. Well, at least compared to the elite talent they’ve had at the position for the last decade-plus.

There was a minor surprise when they released their depth chart, as Clemson transfer Chaz Mellusi was at the top of the running back position with Jalen Berger listed at no. 2. Neither player has been able to separate themselves during camp and it’s likely they’ll share the load all season long.

Despite Wisconsin returning quarterback Graham Mertz and five of their top seven receivers–including Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor and Jake Ferguson–they will still be a run-first team. Neither Mellusi nor Berger have carried the ball more than 15 times in a game in their collegiate career, but I predict both players will get at least 15 touches in this game. Wisconsin will use their running backs both via the traditional role on the ground and in the passing game. That should allow their top two guys to touch the rock at least 15 times in this game.

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