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Badgers snap counts, grades on offense vs. Western Illinois: There’s a new leader in RB snaps

Wisconsin secured a 36-9 victory over Western Illinois on September 12, 2026, marking the team's 29th consecutive win in home openers at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badgers established control from the opening snap when Abu Sama III sprinted 72 yards for his first touchdown with the program.

The Iowa State transfer finished the Week 2 matchup with a career-best 107 rushing yards across eight attempts, while fellow runner Damon Dupree also contributed a touchdown on the ground.

Despite the comfortable margin on the scoreboard, the contest revealed several concerns for the program moving forward. Quarterback Colton Joseph produced a mixed performance while guiding the offense, and the roster accumulated multiple bumps and bruises across various units, including quarterback and linebacker.

Snap counts from the game also confirmed a recent change in the team's backfield hierarchy.