Mike Lucas was impressed with how the Badgers executed in key situations, and how the next wave of young Wisconsin players handled themselves as they stepped into bigger roles.
Here's his reaction to Wisconsin's 34-3 win over Western Kentucky.
"Mark of an experienced offense, even in opener, is how it handles an opportunity to add points at the end of half. The Badgers executed to perfection with Hornibrook throws to Ferguson (11), AJ Taylor (15), Dunn (20 on 3rd and 13), Taylor again (21) & Pryor (2) for the touchdown"
"Kept seeing No. 56 (outside LBer Zack Baun) and No. 9 (free safety Scott Nelson) around the ball. Nelson was particularly animated after making a stop. Plays with great enthusiasm. Love the combination of the young pup (Nelson is a redshirt frosh) with the old vet (D'Cota Dixon)"
"Jonathan Taylor is so smooth & poised when setting up blockers; a trait he showed even as a true frosh. Twice, he used a downfield teammate to shield a potential tackler. Taiwan Deal was a nice complement to JT. Ran with authority. After missing last season, he ran hungry/hostile"
"WKU-UW postscript: With the graduation loss of Troy Fumagalli & injuries to Zander Neuville & Luke Benzschawel, the Badgers got a lift from TE Jake Ferguson, a gifted receiver who also threw key 2nd level blocks on Jonathan Taylor scoring runs. Was a matchup nightmare for LBers"