Wisconsin Badgers Steal Opening 17-0 Win But Suffer Heavy Potential Loss

Without Edwards Jr. in, backup quarterback Danny O’Neil took over and displayed both signs of potential and signs of Wisconsin returning to the past. One play in particular was an interception on 4th and 3 in the red-zone which was sailed directly into the hands of Silas Walters. O’Neil must not have seen either defensive back in the area or thought he had more loft on the throw than he actually had.

Despite the interception and some struggles in his progressions, O’Neil finished the game with 120 passing yards and one touchdown through the air. O’Neil also added a rushing touchdown and 12 yards on the ground as the offense battled through plenty of adversity.

The Wisconsin Badgers did have some positives at times on offense, however, with the team displaying motion, jet, fake, and power plays on the field. The offense certainly did not play up to their full potential but the signs of changes can be seen in how the offense operates.

Defensively, Wisconsin played an excellent game and looked improved along the line in particular as the outside linebackers had a field day. Mason Reiger and Darryl Peterson were both part of the sack party and consistently found themselves in a position to make a play. Reiger was unstoppable to start the game alongside fellow linebacker Christian Alliegro who was flying around the field all night.

Wisconsin Badgers Walk Away with More Questions Than Answers Following Miami (OH) Clash

Wisconsin may have secured the win which is all that truly matters, but now the Badgers have plenty of questions to answer on the offensive side of the football. First, the health of Edwards Jr. will need to be monitored and if the quarterback is truly out for some time, O’Neil will need more time with the first team before anyone can feel fully confident in the success of the offense.

Outside of the quarterback position, the offensive line displayed some clear issues that will need to be solved, especially on the left side. Central Michigan transfer Davis Heinzen struggled against the RedHawks rush, which was nothing notable to say the least. If the offensive line is going to have problems against the MAC, games against competition such as Alabama and Michigan could be very ugly.

Additionally, the offense appeared modernized and improved in some aspects but still appeared choppy and slow at times. The fakes and motions did not always catch the RedHawks off-balance which could have just been due to the talent of the unit, but still remains something offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes will likely look into.