The Badgers got pummeled at home in their Big Ten opener against Maryland, losing 27-10. The Badger offense couldn’t get it going, as in the first half they were held scoreless, limited to zero red zone trips and stopped on eight of their nine third down attempts. They ended the game with three redzone trips, 2-for-3 with one field goal, and 3-for-17 on third down.
Before the game, Fickell stated that the Badgers would give transfer grad student Billy Edwards Jr. the start against his former team. But, after only the second offensive possession of the game, he would be benched in favor of backup quarterback, transfer sophomore Danny O’Neil, as he continued to nurse his lower-leg injury that he sustained in the first game against Miami.
Postgame, Fickell claimed that Edwards Jr. took most of the snaps in game prep leading up to the game, but he did not get hit or get the necessary game-like reps in practice that he needed to be ready to go this game.
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O’Neil, getting what was now his third de-facto start of the year and fourth appearance, would struggle in his first matchup with a Big Ten program — going 5-of-10 for 50 yards with one interception in the first half.
The rushing attack wasn’t much better, as redshirt freshman Dilin Jones finished the first half with 20 yards on six carries, while sophomore Darrion Dupree only racked up 15 yards on his six carries.
By the end of the first half, the Badgers were outgained 206-129 yards, outscored 20-0 and outperformed on third down — 3-for-9 for Maryland, 1-for-9 for Wisconsin. Further, Maryland went 3-for-3 in the redzone, while Wisconsin did not even make it once. To add insult to injury, Wisconsin possessed the ball more in the first half, winning the time of possession battle with 18 minutes to Maryland’s 12.
While the Badgers looked good out of the gate to start the second half, it didn’t continue. With twice the amount of time of possession, eight more first downs, fewer punts and only 30 fewer yards, Wisconsin lost by three scores.
The Badgers had four players attempt passes — including wide receiver Tyrell Henry, who threw an incomplete pass. Senior quarterback Hunter Simmons entered late in the game for his first drive as a Badger after O’Neil exited the game with an apparent injury.
“[O’Neil] was just rattled,” Fickell said postgame.
Simmons adjusted to the game well, going 7-for-9 through the air, finding grad student tight end Lance Mason in the endzone with under 30 seconds to play for his second touchdown reception of the season.
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The offense was sporadic, unable to constantly kick it into any sort of gear, and unable to turn anything into points.
In regards to the fans, Fickell said there is nothing he and the team can do but keep grinding, though he understands the pain and frustration.
Next week, the Badgers have a bye week — which will serve as a nice chance to rest their bodies. But, it will also give the team and the staff a chance to dive into the film and figure out why they’ve been unable to execute to start the season.
The Badgers next game is on the road in Ann Arbor, Mich., against the No. 21 Michigan Wolverines and true freshman star quarterback Bryce Underwood. It will be a real test of what the Badgers are made of, as they’ll be in a tough environment against a top-five Big Ten team, according to ESPN’s preseason predictions.