Wisconsin Quarterback Billy Edwards Still in Doubt For Alabama

MADISON, Wis. — During Monday’s weekly press conference, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell had little to share about injured starting quarterback Billy Edwards. The senior signal caller went down in the week one win over Miami (OH) and is battling a sprained knee. Edwards did not play in Saturday’s 42-10 victory over Middle Tennessee.

“I don’t know a whole lot about Billy before you ask,” Fickell said in his introductory statement. “It’s a Monday, so we’ll see as we continue to push forward in the week. We’ll get, obviously, prepared either way.”

In place of Edwards, sophomore Danny O’Neil went 23-of-27 passing for 283 yards and three touchdowns to one interception. O’Neil’s 283 passing yards were the most by a Wisconsin quarterback in his starting debut since 1951.

According to Fickell, Edwards has been doing some light practicing and getting closer to a return.

“He’s throwing the ball around. He’s here constantly getting treatments and things like that,” Fickell explained. “It’s gonna be where he really feels as we get later towards the week. We’ve gotta protect Billy from himself, I know that. I know at some point in time, don’t know when that is, but he’s a guy who’s always going to be prepared and wants to go.”

Jake Renfro’s Status Also in Doubt

Wisconsin played without starting center Jake Renfro against Middle Tennessee. In his place, senior Kerry Kodanko posted a 42.6 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Kodanko also had an errant snap that led to a tackle for loss.

“We don’t know a whole lot about Jake. As for Kerry, I think we said it after the game. We know there’s some issues, some things we need to figure out,” said Fickell. “Snaps are the very first thing. It was Kerry’s, really first time playing. First time starting, for sure. He’s a guy that’s been in the system, been in the program, and I expect nothing but things continuing to get better for him. He’s a mature guy. He’s been here for a long time. He takes incredible pride in the things that he’s doing. We were walking off the field in the last game and the first thing he said was, ‘Coach, I’ve gotta get a lot better.’ I said, ‘I have no doubt that you will.'”

Wisconsin Prepping For Ryan Williams

Alabama was without sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams (concussion) in their 73-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe. Last year against Wisconsin, Williams had four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown as a 17-year-old true freshman. Williams’ status is still in doubt for Saturdya, but the Badgers are preparing for the former five-star prospect to play.

“It’s a hard look to simulate. Let’s just start there,” said Fickell. “It’s not like we’ve gotta bunch of guys we can put in there and let’s simulate the speed. His versatility, I think the way they move him around, even seeing the growth from last year to game one — we’ve gotta prepare like he’s gonna be there. I’m going to assume he’s going to be there. But also, you can put too much of a focus on things too. I think there’s a balance. It’s not like the other guys are guys you don’t have to worry about. I think you’ve gotta be able to do the things that you do, but you gotta also be aware of the things, in particular, that he brings.”

Brandon Lane Having Breakout Season

Senior defensive lineman Brandon Lane was arguably the biggest surprise from fall camp. Earning a starting role for Wiscosnin, Lane has carried that momentum into the season thus far. Against Middle Tennessee, Lane had his first career sack as a Badger. A highly touted transfer for UW a year ago, Lane was a forgotten man in the rotation.

“The truth of the matter is, there’s a maturity, there’s a growth that sometimes people don’t see or wait for in college football,” said Fickell. “Even a guy like Brandon, he’s done an unbelievable job from where he was last year to this time right now. I can only credit Brandon’s maturity for that, his ability to stick things out. Maybe things didn’t go as exactly as planned. It’s easy for people to point a finger at the scheme. ‘Maybe it just wasn’t the right scheme for me.’ As opposed to, ‘There’s a growth that I have to do.’ I can say that’s what Brandon has done a really good job of. He is in a completely different place right now. We saw it a little in the spring, and it translated in fall camp. It’s a credit to him and his dedication.”

Leftovers

– Fickell said Wisconsin had 13 explosive plays against Middle Tennessee. He estimated that was the most during his UW tenure.