Wisconsin Gets Major QB News Ahead Of Alabama Game. Should Fans Be Nervous?
Alabama is a 20.5-point favorite against the Badgers.
Wisconsin officially will be without quarterback Billy Edwards against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Badgers will travel to Tuscaloosa for a Saturday showdown against Kalen DeBoer and the Tide. It should be a hell of an awesome game.
*I will possibly be in Tuscaloosa. Send all recommendations on what to check out to David.Hookstead@outkick.com*
Edwards suffered a non-contact lower-body injury in the first half of week one against Miami. He hasn't played a snap of football since. Fortunately, he avoided any serious damage to the leg/knee, and some fans have been holding out hope the team's QB1 would be ready to roll in Tuscaloosa.
They now have their answer.
Billy Edwards hasn't played since suffering a non-contact lower-body injury against Miami (OH). (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Danny O'Neil locked in as QB1 for Wisconsin against Alabama.
The depth chart for Wisconsin's game against Alabama was released Monday, and unlike the previous one with some conflicting information, there's crystal clear clarity about what will happen Saturday.
Edwards is officially listed as out, and O'Neil is listed as the unquestioned starter for the Badgers.
Now, some fans might be in a state of panic. Not just because Edwards isn't going to play, but because the state of the program isn't very healthy. Alabama is currently a three-touchdown favorite, and if Wisconsin plays like it did against Miami (OH) or the first half of the MTSU game, then the Badgers will be lucky to keep it within 40.
However, I'm actually going to surprise some people with my take. I think fans have no reason to panic. This might be a blessing in disguise.
O'Neil dominated down the stretch Saturday, and came roaring to life in the second half. His stats were outstanding in the 42-10 win:
- 283 passing yards
- Completed 85.2% of his passes (23/27)
- Threw three touchdowns
- One interception
Danny O'Neil threw for 283 yards in his first start with the Wisconsin Badgers. O'Neil is starting after Billy Edwards suffered a non-contact injury. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Alabama coaches believed Billy Edwards would be under center in Tuscaloosa, and even after the injury, there was still that chance.
Instead, the Crimson Tide will have to pivot to a guy who has looked outstanding since being pressed into service.
The unexpected curveball *MIGHT* be advantageous for the Badgers. Or, Wisconsin fans could see a repeat of what happened in 2024, and end up drinking away the sorrow.
I have a strange feeling O'Neil is going to surprise people, and the Badgers will avoid the latter scenario unfolding.
Can Danny O'Neil shock the world against Alabama? (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
We'll all find out Saturday at noon EST on ABC. Hit me with your thoughts and recommendations for Tuscaloosa at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.