We’re just one day away from Wisconsin kicking off the 2024 football season against Western Michigan. There have been predictions and analysis about what’s likely to happen, but what are three bold predictions of what fans could see on Friday night?

Last season, Western Michigan allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked 82nd in college football last season. The Badgers enter Friday night with a new quarterback under center, but Phil Longo has proven he still wants to establish the run. Chez Mellusi is about as healthy as he’s been in his Wisconsin career and could be in line for a breakout game.

The Badgers have reportedly “tried to limit Mellusi’s workload” during practice this preseason, but I think they’re waiting to let him play under the spotlight. His current career high is 157 receiving yards, set last season against Buffalo in Week 1. There’s a good chance we’ll see him get close to that on Friday night.

Miami (FL) transfer Tyler Van Dyke and returning redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke were in an intense battle throughout the preseason for the starting quarterback role. Van Dyke was officially named QB1, but I think there’s a chance we could see both players Friday night.

The job is definitely Van Dyke’s to lose, but all signs pointed to a close battle between the two players during the preseason. Wisconsin is favored to beat Western Michigan by 24 points, so if it gets a big lead early, I think the staff would like to see Locke improve against a different opponent.

Wisconsin star cornerback Ricardo Hallman led the nation with seven interceptions last season. He’s considered one of the best players at his position heading into 2024 and has a chance to show it on Friday night.

Western Michigan quarterback Hayden Wolff threw two interceptions in his final game of the season in 2023, and he has five this year. Wisconsin has a chance to get an early lead, which could put the Broncos in obvious throwing situations, giving Hallman a chance to have a big night.