The Wisconsin vs South Dakota are set to face on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. This non-conference matchup, featuring a clash between an FBS powerhouse and an FCS challenger, is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1. Here’s all the key information, stats, and insights to get you ready for the game.
Wisconsin vs South Dakota Game Information:
- Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
- Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
- Live Stream: Watch the game anywhere
Recent Performances: Wisconsin vs South Dakota
Wisconsin Badgers
In their season opener, the Badgers took care of business, securing a 28-14 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke played a steady game, completing 21 of 36 passes for 192 yards with a 58.3% completion rate. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 21 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Chez Mellusi, the team’s leading rusher, powered his way to 74 yards on 19 carries and added a touchdown, while Will Pauling led the receiving corps with six catches for 60 yards.
South Dakota Coyotes
The Coyotes started their 2024 campaign with a dominant 45-3 win over their opponent. Carson Bouman had a strong showing under center, completing 9 of 12 passes for 85 yards, translating to a 75% completion rate. However, the offensive star of the game was running back Charles Pierre Jr., who racked up 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The Coyotes also limited their opponent to just 207 total yards, demonstrating their defensive strength.
South Dakota Coyotes: Stats and Insights
South Dakota has been a surprise early in the season, leaning on a stout defense and a potent rushing attack. Here are some key insights:
- Total Yards: The Coyotes are averaging 351 total yards per game, ranking 39th in the FCS.
- Defensive Standouts: Their defense has been stellar, allowing only 207 yards per game, which ranks fourth-best in the FCS.
- Passing Struggles: South Dakota’s passing game has been less effective, managing only 85 passing yards per game, placing them among the bottom 25 teams in the FCS. However, they make up for it with a stifling pass defense, giving up just 60 passing yards per game, the second-best mark in the FCS.
- Scoring Offense and Defense: Offensively, the Coyotes are averaging 45 points per game (8th in the FCS), while their defense is allowing a mere 3 points per game (2nd in the FCS).
- Rushing Dominance: The Coyotes excel in the ground game, ranking fourth in the FCS with 266 rushing yards per game. They are slightly more vulnerable against the run, allowing 147 rushing yards per game, but their overall defensive performance remains strong.
Wisconsin Badgers: Stats and Insights
Wisconsin is off to a solid start this season, showing balanced play on both sides of the ball. Here are some key stats and takeaways:
- Total Yards: The Badgers are averaging 388 yards per game on offense, placing them 79th in the FBS.
- Defensive Strength: On defense, they are giving up just 261 yards per game, which ranks 50th in the FBS.
- Passing and Rushing Stats: Wisconsin’s passing game ranks 90th in the FBS with 192 yards per game, but their defense ranks much higher, allowing only 141 passing yards per game (45th in the FBS). The Badgers also boast a strong rushing game, accumulating 196 rushing yards per game (50th in the FBS), while their defense has allowed 120 rushing yards per game (68th in the FBS).
- Third-Down Efficiency: Wisconsin has been highly efficient on third downs, converting 62.5% of their opportunities, which ranks 19th in the FBS. Their defense has been solid as well, allowing a third-down conversion rate of only 30%.
- Turnover Margin: The Badgers have a turnover margin of +1, forcing two turnovers while only giving the ball away once. This margin ranks them 22nd in the nation.
Key Players to Watch
Wisconsin Badgers:
- Tyler Van Dyke (QB): The Badgers’ leader on offense, Van Dyke has passed for 192 yards in his first outing and has also contributed a rushing touchdown.
- Chez Mellusi (RB): Mellusi is Wisconsin’s primary rushing threat, having gained 74 yards and scored a touchdown in the season opener.
- Will Pauling (WR): Pauling leads the team with 60 receiving yards on six receptions.
- Hunter Wohler (DB): On defense, Wohler has been a key contributor, recording seven tackles in the Badgers’ first game.
South Dakota Coyotes:
- Charles Pierre Jr. (RB): Pierre is the engine of the Coyotes’ offense, tallying 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their season opener.
- Travis Theis (RB): Theis is another productive rusher for the Coyotes, adding 86 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
- Nick Gaes (DL): Gaes is a force on defense, recording a sack in the Coyotes’ win.
- Jacob Clark (LB): Clark contributed with an interception in the Coyotes’ season opener and will be looking to make more big plays against Wisconsin.
This matchup between Wisconsin and South Dakota promises to be an intriguing test for both teams. While Wisconsin is the heavy favorite, South Dakota’s defense and running game could make things difficult for the Badgers. The Coyotes will need to contain Wisconsin’s rushing attack and force Van Dyke into difficult passing situations if they hope to pull off an upset.
