Wisconsin Badgers: Stock Up, Stock Down Players Following Strong 17-0 Win

The first main stock riser of the game for the Wisconsin Badgers was veteran wide receiver Vinny Anthony II, who secured a starting role after dominating in fall camp. Anthony II recorded a touchdown against the RedHawks and looked generally more elusive and dangerous on the field than he had previously. With a full four quarters of play alongside Billy Edwards Jr., Anthony II may have had a much more inflated stat line as the RedHawks struggled to cover the receiver.

Another stock riser from the same position room is Eugene Hilton Jr., the true freshman sensation who caught his first collegiate reception last night. Hilton Jr. has an excellent relationship with O’Neil on the field and has earned his trust throughout camp. Not only did the young receiver look great last night, but should Edwards Jr. miss a game due to his injury then Hilton Jr. may play more due to his connection with O’Neil.

While some struggles in the blocking game were evident, running back Cade Yacamelli provided much-needed chips at times while also giving the staff a great sense of energy off of the bench. Yacamelli is a serious role player and while Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree impressed during camp in pass protection, Yacamelli appears to be the true answer.

Wisconsin Badgers Stock Droppers: Davis Heinzen, Emerson Mandell, Lance Mason

Everyone and their mother has called out Davis Heinzen for his performance against the RedHawks as rusher Adam Trick looked excellent against Heinzen. However, nobody has exactly explained what went wrong for the young man and how the issue can be fixed, as his issue also coincides with fellow stock dropped Emerson Mandell. Mandell was making his first career start last night, but had some similar issues on the offensive line.

Both Mandell and Heinzen were far too slow against the speed of the RedHawks rush and under-commitment was a major issue. The duo needed to get to a spot and stop the opposing rusher from continuing forward, but instead the issue last night was that each player hesitated. Heinzen seemed a step slow and allowed for a faster rusher in Trick to blow past him as he hesitated on what to do.

Another notable stock dropper during the game was tight end Lance Mason, who actually had a solid game but not exactly what had been expected. Mason was brought in in conjunction with offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes to boost the offense and bring more life to the tight end position. However, Mason did not record a reception and backup Grant Stec looked explosive when catching both of his receptions on the night.