Shocking Blow: Top Badgers Rival Faces Game-Changing Loss Without Starting RB Against Wisconsin
When the Wisconsin Badgers gear up to head down to Tuscaloosa for their Week 3 showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide, you know the stakes couldn’t be much higher. It’s not just another game on the schedule — it’s a real litmus test for both teams. The Badgers came out swinging with an ironclad defense shutting out Miami (OH) 17-0 in Week 1, while Alabama’s once-mighty Tide suffered a stunning 31-17 upset at the hands of unranked Florida State, leaving a sour taste for ’Bama fans everywhere. Now, Alabama is still the favorite — no shocker there — but one twist could tilt the scales a bit: the absence of their starting RB Jam Miller, sidelined with a collarbone injury and expected to miss this clash. Miller, a key cog with 668 yards and seven TDs last season, won’t be on the field, leaving the Tide leaner but not necessarily meaner. It’s an intriguing subplot that could shake things up as both squads jockey for position early this season.
The Wisconsin Badgers have their first big test when they travel to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 3.
Now, headlines are already buzzing on both sides, as the Badgers had a dominant defensive performance in their 17-0 Week 1 win over Miami (OH), while the Crimson Tide was arguably the most disappointing team in the country with their 31-17 loss to the unranked Florida State Seminoles.
Alabama will almost certainly be a considerable favorite in that matchup, but there could be one personnel factor that will be beneficial for the Badgers. Crimson Tide starting running back Jam Miller injured his collarbone during a scrimmage before the season, and is expected to be out until the SEC opener, according to head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“He’s a leader for us, a quiet leader, but somebody the players all respect,” DeBoer said about Miller, via ESPN. “Having that bye week, I feel good that he will be back out there. He does so many things for us at that position.”
With that timeline, Miller should be ready for Week 5 for Alabama after their first bye week, but is expected to miss the contest against Wisconsin in Week 3.
Miller was effective in 2024, rushing for 668 yards and seven touchdowns as Alabama’s lead back. With him out and fellow running back Justice Haynes transferring to the Michigan Wolverines, the Crimson Tide is relying on Kevin Riley, Richard Young, and Daniel Hill at running back, who were all reserves behind the top duo in 2024.
One player won’t make or break any game, but Miller had nine rushes for 71 yards and a touchdown against Wisconsin last year and would’ve been a focal part of the offense if available.
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