Alabama vs. Wisconsin score, takeaways: No. 4 Crimson Tide roll in Madison behind Jalen Milroe's 5-TD day

The No. 4 Crimson Tide throttled Wisconsin, which played shorthanded without QB Tyler Van Dyke

No. 4 Alabama aced its first road test of the season by throttling Wisconsin 42-10 on Saturday in the program's first game inside a Big Ten venue since 2011. Star quarterback Jalen Milroe totaled five touchdowns, and the Crimson Tide converted two Wisconsin fumbles into 14 points on their way to a convincing victory.

Wisconsin starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke exited on the game's opening possession with a leg injury and did not return, leaving the Badgers' offense in the hands of backup Braedyn Locke. With the exception of a 17-play touchdown drive in the third quarter, the Badgers struggled to move the ball against a stingy Bama unit.

Defensively, Wisconsin had no answer for Alabama's elite offensive athletes as Milroe and shifty receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard torched the Badgers for a handful of explosive plays. The game's momentum took a significant turn late in the first half. Trailing just 14-3, Wisconsin plunged deep into Alabama territory with under a minute to go before halftime. But Alabama's defense made a stand and forced a missed field goal.

Milroe found Williams for a 47-yard gain on the first play of Alabama's ensuing possession to set up a 26-yard touchdown connection between Milroe and Bernard. The lightning-quick scoring drive showcased Alabama's offensive potential and sent the Crimson Tide into halftime leading 21-3. It was more of the same to open the second half as Jam Miller put the game out of reach with a 34-yard touchdown run on the opening possession of the third quarter.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 3:22 pm ET · David Cobb]

Alabama aces final tune-up

Final: Alabama 42, Wisconsin 10

This was Alabama's final tune-up before hosting No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28 in a critical SEC showdown. The Crimson Tide nailed it and can now turn their attention to the Bulldogs, who will stress them in different ways. The Crimson Tide possessed a clear edge in athleticism and physicality over their first three opponents and exploited those advantages with explosive offensive plays against the Badgers. Though it was feast-or-famine at times — Alabama went three-and-out three times — the Crimson Tide looked lethal offensively. Maintaining that explosiveness against the Bulldogs will be the mission, and it will be helped by improved offensive line play. Starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor made his season debut against Wisconsin, and the Crimson Tide cut back significantly on the O-line penalties which haunted them last week against South Florida. While a couple of false starts put Alabama behind the chains, those miscues paled in comparison to the barrage of penalties and errors that plagued the group in Week 2. As a result, Alabama found itself in manageable down-and-distance situations, which forced the Badgers to respect the run. With a full playbook at his disposal, Kalen DeBoer dialed up a series of winners.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 3:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ryan Williams is a superstar

Alabama fans have heard it a thousand times by now. But it's worth repeating for the general audience of college football fans who may not be dialed in to Crimson Tide recruiting updates. Ryan Williams is just 17 years old and was originally part of the 2025 recruiting class. He should only be a high school senior but is nonetheless looking like one of the SEC's top receivers. Williams, who is listed at just 175 pounds, demonstrated his breakaway speed on numerous plays and looks an absolute superstar in the making. Williams won't be draft-eligible until 2027, which means opposing defenses will be dealing with him for quite a while. Wisconsin had no answer as he torched the Badgers for 78 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. Will anyone in the SEC have a solution for slowing down the teenage wonder?

[Sep 14, 2024 at 3:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin's offense must regroup

Tyler Van Dyke's injury will force the Badgers to regroup offensively entering Big Ten play. The good news is that offensive coordinator Phil Longo's unit has a bye in Week 4 to prepare for a daunting start to conference action at USC on Sept. 28. If Van Dyke's injury is as serious as it appeared, then Longo can focus on tailoring his game plans to Braedyn Locke's strengths. The former three-star prospect began his career at Mississippi State before transferring to Wisconsin and logging three starts last season following an injury to former starter Tanner Mordecai. He demonstrated glimpses of promise in 2023 and pushed Van Dyke for the starting job in preseason practice. But he struggled to find a rhythm against a big, menacing Crimson Tide defense. With two full weeks of preparation before taking the field against a less-talented USC unit, Wisconsin needs to find a baseline level of effectiveness in the passing game.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 3:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ty Simpson in the game

Things have gotten so out of hand that Ty Simpson has entered the game at quarterback for Jalen Milroe with the Crimson Tide leading 42-10 midway through the fourth quarter. Milroe finished 12 of 17 for 196 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He added 75 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 14 rushing attempts.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 3:03 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another touchdown strike

Jalen Milroe just hit tight end Josh Cuevas with a 37-yard strike down the middle of the field on the Crimson Tide's first play of a Crimson Tide possession. The velocity on that throw was something to behold, and Milroe put it right on the money. He's got five total touchdowns and 196 yards passing on just 12 completions. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Getting off the field

Another false start penalty put Alabama behind the chains after the Crimson Tide entered Wisconsin territory. Two straight incompletions then forced Alabama to punt. While the pre-snap sloppiness has decreased significantly from last week, Kalen DeBoer will still have plenty of miscues to highlight to his team over its bye week before Georgia comes to Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Crippling turnovers

Two fumbles have absolutely crippled Wisconsin in this game. The latest one came Deontae Lawson dislodged the ball from Cade Yacamelli on the first play of a Badgers drive. Three plays later, Alabama scored on a 10-yard run from Jalen Milroe to make it 35-10. That's 14 points now that have come as a direct result of fumbles by the Badgers deep in their own territory.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin showing life

 A little buzz seems to have returned inside Camp-Randall Stadium after a dud possession for Alabama. The Crimson Tide are forced to punt, and Wisconsin gets it back shortly after taxing the Alabama defense with a 17-play touchdown drive. If the Badgers are going to make a move, this is their moment.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

Encouraging drive for the Badgers

Wisconsin is not built to rally from such a significant deficit, because its passing attack lacks the playmakers and quarterback to mount a legitimate comeback. But the Badgers just put together an encouraging drive, going 75 yards on 17 plays over 8:14 with a heavy dose of the run. Braedyn Locke finished it off with a 3-yard t touchdown pass to Will Pauling. Alabama seemed content to let the Badgers eat the clock and move down the field little by little. But it's still something to build on for the Badgers.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Malachi Moore down

The leader of Alabama's secondary, safety Malachi Moore, was down and receiving attention from the Crimson Tide medical staff after helping bring down Cade Yacamelli for a 2-yard loss on a second-and-goal play for the Badgers. He's a lynchpin in this defense and one of the most-experienced players. He was a preseason second-team All-American from CBS Sports and someone the Crimson Tide cannot afford to lose.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 2:05 pm ET · David Cobb]

Off to the races

Early 3Q: Alabama 28, Wisconsin 3

Alabama just mashed the gas pedal on the opening possession of the third quarter with a 5-play, 75-yard touchdown drive lasting just 2:20. Jalen Milroe found Germie Bernard for a 23-yard strike to begin the series Then, after few more positive plays, Jam Miller housed a 34 yard run up the middle. The difference in athletes here is beginning to stand out. Bama is in full control.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Alabama's offense finding its gear

Alabama did have a costly false start that set it behind the chains and contributed to a failed possession in the second quarter. However, it's been a much cleaner game so far on the whole for that unit compared to last week. With left tackle Kadyn Proctor back in the lineup, the Crimson Tide offensive line has looked much better. Jalen Milroe has been electric, and Ryan Williams has four grabs for 78 yards and a TD. Look out, because Alabama's offense appears to be finding its gear.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

Huge swing

Half: Alabama 21, Wisconsin 3

Alabama just flipped the script on this game in the final minute of the first half as Jalen Milroe capped a quick touchdown drive by finding Germie Bernard for a 26-yard touchdown strike. Just moments earlier, it looked like Wisconsin might be cutting the deficit to 14-10. Locke had a window to find Will Pauling in the corner of the end zone on third down, but his pass sailed just beyond Pauling's outstretched arms. The Badgers turned to kicker Nathaniel Vakos for a 44-yard attempt, but it sailed wide right. He made one from 53 yards earlier but that one was wayward from the start. Alabama took over and capitalized to completely change the outlook on this game.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

Give Wisconsin's defense credit

Wisconsin's defense is doing its part, as the Badgers just forced a three-and-out. But they need more from an offense that has shown no ability to throw the ball downfield. Would be huge if the Badgers could get some points before the half to get Braedyn Locke a little bit of confidence.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:18 pm ET · David Cobb]

Forced to punt again

Wisconsin converted a fourth-and-1 inside its own territory to keep the drive alive. But the Badgers were then faced with a fourth-and-6 and opted to punt. Alabama is up 14-3 and has a chance to add to its lead before halftime. Complicating matters for Wisconsin is that the Crimson Tide will receive the opening kick of the second half. The Badgers are in a dangerous spot here and need another big stand from their defense.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:08 pm ET · David Cobb]

Brutal fumble leads to Alabama TD

2Q: Alabama 14, Wisconsin 3

Chez Mellusi was in the midst of a huge run up the middle that was helping flip the field position for Wisconsin after it was pinned against its own goal-line. But Alabama's Malachi Moore popped the football loose as Mellusi was tumbling forward. That got the football in Alabama's hands at the Wisconsin 28-yard line. The Crimson Tide cashed in with a 3-yard touchdown run from Jalen Mille, who has carried eight times for 50 yards already.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another costly OL penalty for Alabama

Alabama just punted for the first time after going three-and-out. The Crimson Tide opened the drive behind the sticks following a false start on Jaeden Roberts. Alabama then threw three straight passes but wound up facing a fourth-and-4. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor is making his season debut, but the Crimson Tide's offensive line woes are not solved just yet after a barrage of penalties against the unit last week.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin passing game struggling

Wisconsin's passing game is struggling with Braedyn Locke at quarterback following the injury to Tyler Van Dyke. He looks out of sync with his receivers and uncomfortable in the pocket. As a result, he's 2 of 7 for 13 yards and the Badgers just went three-and-out to open the second quarter. Plenty of time left. But unless the Badgers kick it into gear, the injury to Van Dyke may go down as a fatal blow in Wisconsin's chances.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ryan Williams strikes again

1Q: Alabama 7, Wisconsin 3

Kalen DeBoer is not afraid to utilize Jalen Milroe as a runner. He began the Crimson Tide's second possession with a 26-yard scamper, immediately getting Alabama into field-goal range. Then, a couple plays later, Milroe found true freshman Ryan Williams for a 31-yard touchdown strike. Williams has been phenomenal early this season, and Milroe found him in stride down the right sideline for a beautiful throw and catch.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Big defensive stand for Alabama

Faced with a fourth-and-1, Wisconsin turned to running back Chez Mellusi. But Deontae Lawson and LT Overton met him in the backfield and stopped him for no gain. The Badgers were able to generate some positive plays in the run game on that series, but not when it mattered most. Big stand by Alabama, which takes over on its own 39-yard line.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin's defense stands

Alabama was rolling on its first offensive possession as the Crimson Tide picked up three first downs and plunged into Wisconsin territory. But the Badgers held on third down, forcing a third-and-5 incompletion from Jalen Milroe. Graham Nicholson then narrowly missed a 46-yard attempt wide right. That's a huge emotional boost for the Badgers, who are dealing with the loss of starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin strikes first

1Q: Wisconsin 3, Alabama 0

Nathaniel Vakos drilled a 53-yard field goal to put Wisconsin ahead 3-0, capping a 10-play, 35-yard drive to open the game. The drive was aided by a defensive holding call against Alabama on the third-and-7 play when Van Dyke was injured. Locke entered and completed 1 of 3 passes. Based on how Van Dyke's injury looked, it's unlikely he'll be returning.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:18 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tyler Van Dyke injured

Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is down clutching his right leg after scrambling for the sticks on a third-and-7 play. He was receiving medical attention and appeared to be in clear pain as a cart was summoned to help him off the field. The backup is Braedyn Locke, who started three games for the Badgers in 2023 during coach Luke Fickell's first season. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo cast it as a close race between the two signal-callers during preseason camp.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:10 pm ET · David Cobb]

Game time in Madison

Alabama won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Wisconsin will receive and Alabama will defend the south goal. Here we go from Wisconsin as Kalen DeBoer takes his Crimson Tide into a hostile environment for the first time. 

[Sep 14, 2024 at 12:05 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Brandon's pick

Wisconsin appears to still be suffering from a long string of hiccups at quarterback in the Luke Fickell era. Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke hasn't quite been the spark many expected; he didn't throw a touchdown until Week 2. Alabama needed a 28-point outburst in the fourth quarter after struggling to eclipse 3.5 yards per play through three quarters to pull away from USF last week. Jalen Milroe is much more dynamic at quarterback, and the Tide have many more receivers, including freshman phenom Ryan Williams, for the Badgers to adequately challenge for a win inside Camp Randall Stadium, where they're 51-2 in their last 53 nonconference home games. If Wisconsin pulls the upset, it does so with turnovers and a passing offense that attacks the Tide's early-season inconsistencies in the defensive backfield. Pick: Alabama against the spread

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:45 am ET · Tom Fornelli]

How Jalen Milroe stacks up

I don't think it happens this weekend against Wisconsin, but I have a feeling Jalen Milroe could drop out of the rankings here soon. Not just because of the upcoming Georgia game -- though that's the week I have my eye on -- but because Alabama seems a little shaky. The Crimson Tide are almost too Milroe-dependant at the moment, so it's a good thing he had four touchdowns against South Florida.

College Football QB Power Rankings: Quinn Ewers rises to No. 1, Nico Iamaleava ticks up into top five

Tom Fornelli

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:35 am ET · David Cobb]

Alabama vs. Wisconsin preview

No. 4 Alabama hits the road for the first time in coach Kalen DeBoer's tenure as the Crimson Tide travel to Wisconsin Saturday for one of Week 3's marquee games. It's Bama's first trip to Madison, Wisconsin since 1928 and the Tide's first road game against a Big Ten team since winning at Penn State in 2011. The contest marks the first time since 1971 that Wisconsin has hosted an SEC opponent, and Camp Randall Stadium should be juiced as the Badgers seek a breakthrough moment under second-year coach Luke Fickell. Not long ago both coaches in this matchup were leading mid-major programs and struggling for respect on the national stage. Now, they are in the spotlight against each other.

Fickell and DeBoer are charged with leading two major college football brands, and this showdown will be a litmus test for their respective programs. Both teams face daunting schedules for the rest of the year. The Badgers still have tough tests against top-15 foes USC, Penn State and Oregon ahead, while Alabama must still play top-15 teams Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri. Given the challenges league play will present for both teams, a Week 3 nonconference victory would be huge for building momentum. Both squads were far from perfect in Week 2, but both emerged with wins against overmatched opponents to enter the matchup 2-0.

Alabama vs. Wisconsin live stream, where to watch, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, pick

David Cobb

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:20 am ET · David Cobb]

Alabama vs. Wisconsin pick

Wisconsin has been underwhelming offensively through two games with Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback. Alabama could barely get out of its own way in Week 2 against South Florida as an endless cascade of penalties hampered the Crimson Tide's attack. Conversely, Alabama was solid defensively against a potent South Florida attack, holding the Bulls to 2 of 18 on third-down conversion attempts. Containing Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe will be challenging for the Badgers. But even if he gets loose, it's hard to imagine both teams scoring enough to surpass this point total. Pick: Under 51.5

[Sep 14, 2024 at 11:00 am ET · David Cobb]

Rising stars on the sideline 

Rewind just three years and both DeBoer and Fickell were star coaches in the Group of Five ranks. DeBoer led Fresno State to a 10-3 record that year with a near-upset of No. 11 Oregon and a road victory over No. 13 UCLA. He got his first Power Five opportunity at Washington in 2022 and nailed it with a 25-3 mark over two seasons. But now DeBoer is replacing the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama and must prove himself all over again. Meanwhile, Fickell took Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff in 2021 as the Bearcats capped off a two-year run of unbeaten regular seasons highlighted by back-to-back AAC titles. Fickell went 7-6 in Year 1 at Wisconsin last season and faces a tough schedule as he seeks more progress in 2024. Both men have the chops to be coaching stars for years to come. But the 2024 season is imperative for each.

[Sep 14, 2024 at 10:30 am ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin needs a spark

Wisconsin's offense also has plenty to improve upon entering Week 3. The Badgers rank No. 101 nationally in average yards per play at 5.2. They mustered just five plays of 20 or more yards over their first two contests. Last week, the Badgers alternated between scores and punts on every possession during a 27-13 win over South Dakota. While second-year coordinator Phil Longo likely hasn't reached deep into the playbook yet, it's clear the Badgers are still finding their way with Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke at quarterback.