Initial thoughts following Badgers’ loss to #20 Michigan Wolverines

Plenty of surprises before and during the game occurred in Ann Arbor, including Wisconsin starting quarterback Hunter Simmons for the first time this season despite back-up Danny O’Neil being healthy. The Badgers are still without starter Billy Edwards Jr., and may not get a healthy version of the quarterback this season. After his performance against Michigan, however, Simmons might be the best option for Wisconsin at the moment.

Against Michigan, Simmons ran the offense in a manner much closer to Edwards Jr., picking up small details on the field and allowing the skills players to do much of the work. Simmons put the football into the hands of top receiver Vinny Anthony II nine times as the receiver averaged 10.8 yards per reception. Additionally, Simmons limited his mistakes and intentionally allowed some plays to end by throwing the ball into the dirt instead of forcing the football down the field.

Aside from an under thrown interception Simmons looked confident and played like a veteran quarterback, and during a season where Wisconsin is throwing up everything to see what sticks, the quarterback might be the best option for the Badgers moving forward.

Lessons From the Loss to Maryland Terrapins Taken Into Account

Obviously there is not a lot that Wisconsin can fix in just two weeks time that will have a real big difference in the product on the field. The issues with the team are deeply rooted, but what Wisconsin can do is learn from each game and every loss and apply some of the lessons into the next game. Against Alabama and Maryland, Fickell learned the hard way about different roster management issues that will likely not be crossed again.

Against Alabama, Fickell allowed starting center Jake Renfro to play despite an injury and now former starting tackle Davis Heinzen is the converted option at center. Fickell also allowed starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to push himself and return against his former team Maryland, which resulted in an injury flare-up.

To start the week, Fickell stated that moving forward he will “save [Billy Edwards Jr.] from himself” and keep the quarterback off the field against Michigan. The coach is not going to push players who are injured again, but now that means that solutions need to be found or even created in some situations. Fickell took a major step forward in that regard by allowing quarterback Hunter Simmons to start instead of returning to Danny O’Neil once again after two losing performances.

Wisconsin Badgers Displayed Questionable Clock Management to End Game

While Wisconsin had already essentially lost the game before the onside kick attempt, the Badgers completely waived the white flag after the attempt failed. Michigan got the football back with just under three minutes of time left on the clock while Wisconsin still had three timeouts. However, Wisconsin did not use any of the timeouts and seemingly gave up on the game after failing the onside kick and giving up a first down.

After such a hard fought game from the team and a game where the Badgers clearly kept trying to fight all game, ending the loss with all three timeouts is an odd way to conclude the afternoon in Ann Arbor.