Wisconsin’s Season Takes An Early Hit As Billy Edwards Goes Down
The Badgers’ opener against Miami (Ohio) was supposed to be a tune-up game, the kind where your starting quarterback gets comfortable, works out the kinks, and builds confidence for tougher battles ahead. Instead, Wisconsin fans got a sick feeling in their stomachs watching Billy Edwards Jr. crumple to the turf in the second quarter.
Edwards, the Maryland transfer who was supposed to be the answer to Wisconsin’s quarterback woes, went down on what looked like the most innocent play imaginable. He handed the ball off, started his usual fake-run routine, and then his left leg just gave out. No defender touched him. No awkward landing. Just a buckle and down he went.
You could practically hear the collective groan from the Camp Randall faithful as their new signal-caller limped off to the medical tent. When he emerged in street clothes for the second half, that groan turned into full-blown panic mode.
The Edwards Experiment Was Just Getting Started
Let’s be real about what Wisconsin lost here. Edwards wasn’t just some random pickup from the transfer portal. He was their crown jewel. The guy threw for nearly 2,900 yards at Maryland last season, finishing second in the Big Ten in passing yards per game. He was the Music City Bowl MVP, for crying out loud.
Luke Fickell and his staff went hard after Edwards during the offseason, and for good reason. After watching Tyler Van Dyke’s knee explode against Alabama last year, the Badgers knew they needed someone who could stay healthy and lead this team. Now they’re right back where they started, crossing their fingers and hoping their backup can keep the ship afloat.
Danny O’Neil Steps Into the Fire
Enter Danny O’Neil, the San Diego State transfer who suddenly found himself under center in Madison. The kid threw for over 2,100 yards as a true freshman with the Aztecs. There is still a massive difference between running the show in the Mountain West and trying to keep pace in the Big Ten.
O’Neil managed to help Wisconsin squeeze out a 17-0 win, which isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire against a MAC opponent. But hey, a win’s a win, especially when your starting quarterback is watching from the sideline in khakis.
Wisconsin’s Injury Curse Strikes Again
Here’s the thing that’s got to be eating at Badgers fans – this feels like déjà vu all over again. Last year, Van Dyke was supposed to be their savior, only to tear his ACL in Week 3. Now Edwards goes down in Week 1 with what appears to be another lower-body injury. At some point, you start wondering if there is something in the water in Madison.
Coach Fickell tried to stay optimistic after the game, telling Big Ten Network that seeing Edwards “out here with us” was “a good sign.” But let’s call a spade a spade. When your starting quarterback is ruled out for the second half and shows up in street clothes, that is not exactly the picture of health you want to see.
What This Means Moving Forward
The Badgers can’t afford to have their season derailed by another quarterback injury. They’ve got Big Ten aspirations, and those don’t happen with backup quarterbacks unless you’re blessed with elite talent or incredible luck.
O’Neil showed he can manage a game, but Wisconsin’s going to need more than game management if they want to compete with the Michigans and Ohio States of the world. The good news? It is still Week 1, and there is plenty of time for him to grow into the role – assuming Edwards’ injury keeps him sidelined for an extended period.
For now, Badgers fans are left holding their breath, waiting for more news on their quarterback’s status. In a sport where injuries are part of the game, Wisconsin sure seems to be getting more than its fair share of bad breaks at the most important position on the field.
