Braelon Allen, Chimere Dike unlikely to play in 2nd half vs. Ohio State due to injuries

After appearing to injure his left calf and ankle area late in the first half against Ohio State on Saturday night, star Wisconsin tailback Braelon Allen is unlikely to play in the second half, NBC sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen reported coming out of the half. Wisconsin trailed Ohio State, 10-3, at the half.

Allen stayed down after a third and goal play from inside the one yard line came up short with seconds remaining in the second quarter. He remained down and trainers could be seen addressing his lower left leg and ankle.

Allen eventually walked off gingerly as Wisconsin kicked a field goal, the Badgers’ only points of the first half. He was shown on the broadcast being helped to the locker room for the break and putting little weight on his left ankle.

Also unlikely to play in the second half for Wisconsin is wide receiver Chimere Dike, who injured his right leg earlier in the half.

The Badgers got the ball to begin the second half and quickly drove the length of the field to score a touchdown and tie the game, 10-10, on a touchdown pass from Braedyn Locke to Will Pauling.

Allen rejoined the sideline in a walking boot

Allen, who injured his left lower leg late in the first half against Ohio State on Saturday night, was seen in a walking boot and street clothes in the second half. He rejoined his teammates after spending an extended period in the locker room.

With a boot on his left foot, it’s evident that any questions about Allen potentially playing more against the Buckeyes are answered.

Braelon Allen in a walking boot as he returns to the #Badgers sideline pic.twitter.com/v4fulxCKx4

— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) October 29, 2023

Allen finished the day with 10 carries for 50 yards.

Ohio State answered the call from its head coach

Head coach Ryan Day and Ohio State took a 10-3 lead into the half over Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday night, but the visiting Buckeyes could’ve easily led by more. Twice in the first half, promising drives ended on Kyle McCord interceptions.

Day, speaking with NBC sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen, was pleased with how his defense kept the Badgers at bay. The pair of turnovers, including one in the red zone, immediately came to mind for the Ohio State head man.

“I think our defense is playing great. We can’t turn the ball over, certainly not in the red zone and then we get in plus territory here, gotta finish off some drives. We’re moving ’em, we’re doing some good things, we gotta take care of the football,” Day said.

At the half, McCord was 10-of-19 for 140 yards and a touchdown along with the giveaways. The overall offensive output was solid, as the Buckeyes averaged 5.5 yards per play on 38 plays — 19 runs and 19 passes.

And Day’s message at the half to his quarterback was going to be simple.

“Trust his feet and trust his eyes. Manage the game and keep us on schedule,” Day said.

The early returns — after Wisconsin marched for a game-tying touchdown out of the half — were good for Ohio State.