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.

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.

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.