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Wisconsin heads into Week 5 with a clear chance to build momentum: a win over Michigan State would put the Badgers at 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play before their bye. But Michigan State projects to be a difficult opponent, so Wisconsin could need more from some role players to secure the result.
RB Darrion Dupree
Darrion Dupree emerged as the primary ball carrier in Happy Valley, logging 47 snaps when the backfield rotated heavily after Abu Sama left with an injury. If Sama is unavailable again, Dupree will naturally shoulder the load; even in a committee, he deserves a larger share of snaps given how he has played through four games.
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Versatility has been a hallmark this season: Dupree has 24 carries for 134 yards and two rushing scores, plus six receptions for 60 yards. He has shown a marked improvement in both power and elusiveness, making him effective between the tackles and in space.
Michigan State’s defense has been hampered by injuries, and with linebacker Jordan Hall reportedly not expected to play Saturday in Madison, the Spartans could be thinner against the run. That matchup presents a clear opportunity for Dupree to produce a significant performance.
WR Malachi Coleman
Malachi Coleman flashed big-play ability in the opener against Notre Dame, when he caught four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Since then he has battled through an injury that limited him against Western Illinois and kept him out of the Eastern Michigan game.
He returned at Penn State but didn’t see a target, despite playing 27 snaps — the fourth-most among Wisconsin receivers behind Chris Brooks Jr., Eugene Hilton Jr. and Tyrell Henry. Coleman’s combination of size and speed creates a different challenge for defenses than the team’s other pass-catchers.
With Hilton and Henry both producing recently — Hilton with a touchdown grab at Penn State and Henry coming off a single-game receptions record — the offense has weapons. Still, Wisconsin would benefit from finding ways to get its most explosive receiver more involved.
OT Lucas Simmons-Johansson
Wisconsin’s left tackle, PJ Wilkins, has drawn criticism for pass-protection issues and has allowed the most pressures on the offensive line through four games. Pro Football Focus lists 10 pressures credited to him; the All-22 tape suggests the real number may be higher.
The intention here is not an immediate replacement of the starter. Wilkins has had some recoveries and hasn’t been unplayable. But the bench does contain a viable alternative: Florida State transfer Lucas Simmons-Johansson has seen limited action this season (18 snaps) and brings 84 career snaps from his time with the Seminoles.
If Wisconsin builds a multi-score lead, asking Simmons-Johansson to handle a series or two would be a low-risk way to evaluate whether his pass protection can stabilize the left side. Even a brief look could justify more permanent adjustment if it improves quarterback comfort and reduces pressures.
