Plenty of questions for reeling Badgers
What a difference a few weeks can make.
Just ask Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst. The Badgers continued their up and downs ways last Saturday, this time losing three fumbles while dropping a 31-17 decision at Northwestern.
With the loss, the Badgers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten West) tumbled out of the Top 25 rankings for the first time all season, fell into second place in the West for the first time and no longer are in any talk of landing a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
By losing to the Wildcats, the Badgers now have to readjust their lofty goals to more realistic-sized goals. Now, after losing two of their last three games, the Badgers must deal with some serious questions.
Is quarterback Alex Hornibrook healthy? The junior has a 25-5 record as Wisconsin’s starter, but he was a late scratch for the Wildcats’ game due to a concussion. On Monday, Chryst said Hornibrook was still in concussion protocol but noted that his quarterback should be ready to receive some reps in practice.
Backup Jack Coan completed 20-of-31 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown in his first career start.
Although maligned for his game-management skills, Hornibrook’s absence played a big factor in the loss. His leadership, steadiness and big-game experience are overlooked keys to Wisconsin’s success over the last two-plus seasons.
“The protocol helps,” Chryst said.
“You’ve got steps in it that kind of lead you to the answer if they’re ready or not. He’s in it. He’s ready to do more than before, and then as the week goes on we’ll know more.”
Another pressing issue is the return of sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor’s fumbling ways. With the Badgers needing a big performance from their Heisman Trophy candidate on the road, Taylor ran for 46 yards — the second-lowest total of his career. For the season, Taylor has lost four fumbles.
“You never want those things to happen,” Taylor said. “You work all the time on it all week, you do the ball-security drills. That’s why you work for it not to happen.”
The Badgers do have the luxury of hosting Rutgers (1-7, 0-5) this Saturday. The Badgers could use a blowout win, especially with a number of starters nursing injuries. Rutgers is struggling in all aspects, allowing 33.8 points and 407.5 yards per game.