Wisconsin got some unexpected news on Thursday, when longtime running back Chez Mellusi announced that he was stepping away from the program due to a health-related reason. In the first game without their veteran, Tawee Walker filled the RB1 role during the Badgers' 52-6 blowout win over Purdue.

Badgers coach Luke Fickell wants to tighten the team's running back rotation to give the ball carriers a greater chance to get into a rhythm and get hot.

With Mellusi now leaving the program, it’s on Walker to take the next step and become the No. 1 for the Badgers going forward. “You just got to capitalize on your opportunities,” Walker said ahead of the game.