Eric Boggs 
Alabama scored the first touchdown on Saturday against Wisconsin and then never looked back.
Alabama rolled into Madison and handed Wisconsin a 42-10 defeat at Camp Randall Stadium, giving head coach Kalen DeBoer his first road win in commanding fashion. The Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense was led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, whose dual-threat performance silenced critics as he tallied 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also completing 12 of 17 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Alabama’s balanced attack, combined with a stifling defense, left Wisconsin reeling after what initially seemed like a promising start for the Badgers.
The game’s narrative shifted drastically early on, as Wisconsin looked poised to give Alabama a tough challenge. The Badgers were leading 3-0 when quarterback Tyler Van Dyke went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the first quarter. Van Dyke had moved Wisconsin’s offense into Alabama territory on a strong opening drive, with the Badgers converting key plays to set up a scoring opportunity. However, on a quarterback keeper, Van Dyke took a hard hit and immediately went down, clutching his leg. His exit from the game felt like a pivotal moment, as the momentum swung in Alabama’s favor. Van Dyke, who has battled injuries throughout his college career, was later seen on crutches with a cast on his leg, raising concerns that he could miss significant time.
For Wisconsin, the loss of Van Dyke couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Badgers’ offense had been building confidence with their veteran signal-caller, who was settling into the system and guiding Wisconsin to a 2-0 start. His departure forced backup quarterback Braedyn Locke into action—a tough spot for the young quarterback who was thrust into the game unexpectedly. Locke struggled to establish any rhythm against Alabama’s relentless defense, completing just 10 of 19 passes. He also struggled to push the ball downfield, as Wisconsin’s offense stagnated after Van Dyke’s injury.
Before the injury, Wisconsin seemed to have a solid game plan to attack Alabama, mixing runs with effective short passes. The Badgers were already inside Alabama’s 35-yard line on their opening drive and looked capable of taking an early lead with a touchdown. But Van Dyke’s injury derailed their offensive momentum, forcing Wisconsin to settle for a field goal, which would be one of only two scoring drives for the Badgers all game. Alabama quickly took advantage of the shift, as Wisconsin’s offense faltered under Locke’s inexperience.
On the other side, Alabama’s offense hit its stride early and often. Milroe, who has faced criticism for his passing in the past, put together one of his most complete performances yet as a starter. His ability to hurt Wisconsin both through the air and on the ground was on full display, and Alabama’s offensive line consistently opened lanes for Milroe and the Tide’s running backs to exploit. The Tide finished with 190 rushing yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry.
Alabama’s defense also showed its muscle, forcing Wisconsin into several costly mistakes. Wisconsin turned the ball over twice, with fumbles proving especially damaging. On the Badgers’ second drive of the game, a turnover on downs set up Alabama’s first touchdown. Later, a fumble deep in their own territory led to another Alabama score, and just before halftime, a missed Wisconsin field goal allowed Alabama to march downfield and score again in just two plays, extending their lead to 21-3 at the break.
In the second half, Wisconsin’s offense continued to struggle, and another fumble set up a quick Alabama touchdown. Special teams also contributed to the Tide’s dominance, as a strong punt return put Alabama in position for their sixth and final touchdown. Despite the Badgers’ best efforts to establish a run game, Alabama’s defense was too much to overcome, especially with Locke’s limited ability to stretch the field.
One bright spot for Wisconsin was the performance of their offensive line. The Badgers’ front five held up well against Alabama’s defensive pressure, creating holes in the run game and providing Locke with solid protection on many plays. However, without Van Dyke at the helm, Wisconsin struggled to capitalize on those opportunities, as Locke was often hesitant or unable to find open receivers downfield.
The loss not only drops Wisconsin to 2-1 on the season but also casts a shadow over their future with Van Dyke’s injury. His health has been a concern throughout his college career, with multiple seasons affected by injuries. If this latest setback is as serious as it appeared, the Badgers may be without their star quarterback for an extended period, potentially altering the course of their season. Wisconsin’s success this year largely hinged on Van Dyke’s leadership and playmaking ability, and his absence leaves them with more questions than answers as they head into the heart of their schedule.
For Alabama, the win moves them to 3-0 and provides a confidence boost as they continue their march toward the College Football Playoff. With Milroe finding his groove and the defense looking sharp, the Crimson Tide appear poised to make another deep run this season. Meanwhile, Wisconsin must regroup quickly and hope that Locke or another option can step up under center if Van Dyke’s injury keeps him sidelined.
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