Tawee Walker is finally getting the spotlight as Badger – Daily Cardinal

The Wisconsin Badgers football program appeared to hit a new low after blowing a 21-10 halftime lead at No. 23 University of Southern California. Although the game ended in a 31-21 loss, Wisconsin’s first-half performance provided a glimpse of what’s to come in the coming weeks, especially from the senior running back Towie Walkerwho rushed for two of the three touchdowns scored.

Walker was given the opportunity to start during the Badgers’ next game against Purdue after sixth-year starter Chez Meluzzi withdrew from the team indefinitely because of his health. That left Walker with the number one spot in what was previously a crowded backfield.

To say Walker made the most of his chance would be an understatement. The senior has dominated against every team the Badgers have faced over the past three weeks.

Against Purdue, Walker had three rushing touchdowns and nearly broke the 100-yard mark, hitting 94 yards rushing at Wisconsin 52-6 win.

Walker did have a breakout game against Rutgers on Oct. 12, when he rushed for three touchdowns and set a career-high 198 rushing yards in a commanding 42-7 win for the Badgers.

In their last game at Northwestern, Walker again reached triple figures with 126 rushing yards in another dominant win for Wisconsin.

Walker will have the opportunity to showcase himself on a much bigger stage Saturday against No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions when they come to Madison for a primetime game. But Walker is no stranger to the spotlight, having spent the last two years at Oklahoma before transferring to Madison.

The North Las Vegas, Nevada native was not a highly touted recruit. He was unranked and played his freshman year at Palomar College, rushing for 875 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games. As a sophomore, he went on at Oklahoma and recorded 62 yards on just 18 carries for the season. During his junior year as a Sooner, Walker earned consistent playing time and had a successful season rushing for 513 yards.

Still, after rising through the ranks over his first three seasons in college football, Walker chose to transfer to Wisconsin for his final season of eligibility. In his time so far at Wisconsin, Walker has brought a much-needed boost and sense of physicality to the Badgers’ running game.

The Badgers lacked an identity early in the season – and Walker helped them begin to find it. The rushing attack has been reminiscent of Wisconsin teams of the past lately, and it looks like the Badgers have found another star running back after Braylon Allen left for the NFL this spring.

The success of the running game allowed the passing attack to open up for starting quarterback Bradin Locke, making offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s offense look as advertised for the first time in his tenure at Wisconsin.

Walker and the rest of Wisconsin’s offense will look to continue their dominance this Saturday night against No. 3 Penn State, an opportunity not only for the Badgers to reach six wins and extend their bowl streak to 23 straight, but for the head coach Luke Fickell will get his first real signature win at Madison.