Wisconsin QB Danny O'Neil Impresses in First Start vs. Middle Tennessee
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers have improved to 2-0 with a Week 2 win over Middle Tennessee, 42-10. A shaky first half from Wisconsin led to an explosion in the second half, as the Badgers outscored the Blue Raiders 28-0 in the final two quarters.
Wisconsin quarterback Danny O’Neil got his first start as a Badger and did nothing short of impress. The sophomore transfer from San Diego State went 23-27 with 283 yards, three touchdowns and an interception as his team tallied 436 total yards of offense. The former three-star recruit had touchdown strikes to tight end Lance Mason, as well as wide receivers Tyrell Henry and Jayden Ballard.
O’Neil talked about Wisconsin’s response to a poor first half. The backup stepped in Week 1 after Billy Edwards Jr. went down with a sprained left knee.
“We had some tough conversations at halftime,” O’Neil said. “We knew we weren’t playing to our standard. It started with the guys up front. They really took on the challenge at halftime, and we were able to really flip the script coming out for the second half.”
Wisconsin center Jake Renfro was ruled out ahead of Week 2 due to an undisclosed injury, a major blow to the team. The Badgers’ offensive line struggled mightily in Week 1, and their biggest piece, out, major shifts had to be made.
Kerry Kodanko got the start at center with Renfro out, while Riley Mahlman was moved to left tackle. Redshirt freshman Emerson Mandell got the start, once again, at right tackle. Collin Cubberly made his first start at right guard, with Joe Brunner at left guard, per usual.
Wisconsin’s play calling looked noticeably more aggressive, with O’Neil getting plenty of big opportunities on deep balls and key downs. Namely, a 4th-down score from O’Neil to Henry helped change the momentum for the Badgers. The quarterback acknowledged the aggressiveness, alluding to a trend throughout the season.
“I think we all knew that we were going to be aggressive,” O’Neil said. We’ve talked about it all offseason, all season leading up to this point, that we’re going to be aggressive with the play calling, we’re going to be aggressively going for it.”
Wisconsin will have a huge test next week against Alabama in Week 3. Last season, the Crimson embarrassed the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, winning 42-10. This Week 2 win gives them some confidence heading into Tuscaloosa.
“It’s a big test, I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” O’Neil. “Just the way that we were able to play in the second half, we have to play like that for four quarters next week. It’s going to be a challenge, it’s going to be hard, but those are the games that you play for.”
O’Neil had the most passing yards by a Badger quarterback in their starting debut since 1951. His three touchdowns through the air were the most in a starting debut since Graham Mertz’s five in 2020. With a major performance by the 6-foot sophomore, Wisconsin has some momentum heading into Week 3.
