What’s Going on with Quarterback Alex Hornibrook?
A status check on Alex Hornibrook the Wisconsin Badgers undisputed starting quarterback. It’s been an uneven start to the season for the redshirt sophomore.
First, let me start by noting what this post is not about. This is not calling for Hornibrook to lose his job to true freshman Jack Coan. Nor is this meant to chicken little the Badgers quarterback situation.
Second, let me continue by noting what this post is about. Specifically, measured concern over some of the flaws we saw from Hornibrook on Saturday.
A week ago Alex Hornibrook had a strong debut for the 2017 Badgers against Utah State. He was 15/23 for 244 yards passing and three touchdowns. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over.
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But week two against the Florida Atlantic Owls was far from Hornibrook’s best. He went 16/28 for 201 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Yet on Saturday, Hornibrook showed some of the same problems that plagued his redshirt freshman season. Most notably, soft throws, inaccuracy, and a baffling turnover.
The interception Hornibrook threw was simply terrible. He got flustered by a pressure in his lap and never sees the linebacker. Other throws were just wildly off target.
On one play, TE Troy Fumagalli correctly read the defense in zone so he sits down in the hole. Hornibrook flat misses him. In fairness to the QB, Fumagalli did drop two of the more catchable balls thrown all day.
The other liability still present from freshman year is the weak arm strength. This is what Badger of Honor wrote during the 2017 Wisconsin spring game.
"But too often [Hornibrook] lollipops/rainbows throws to WRs. There are times that throw is useful (fades, screens). There are times that is dangerous. here were moments Badger WRs had to slow their routes or adjust despite having gained clear separation because offspeed deliveries from Hornibrook hang in the air too long. He needs to plant his feet, set his base, and drive the ball down the field instead of relying on anticipation and touch all the time."
We saw this problem today. Against Florida Atlantic, Wisconsin WRs Quintez Cephus, Danny Davis, and Jazz Peavy got significant separation from their defenders. But the Hornibrook pass hung in the air too long or wasn’t deep enough.
Wisconsin’s run game is supposed to set up those select big pass plays. The offensive line and the receivers do their job. But that’s made immaterial when the final throw is lacking.
Hornibrook is not now nor will ever be especially mobile. So you do see some careful bootlegs rolling to his left where he’s more comfortable. But he is generally a pure pocket passer.
Thus, the playbook is a little thinner as you aren’t going to see him on the move very often. In addition, Hornibrook isn’t going to extend plays or drives using his legs.
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Hornibrook is certainly the guy for Wisconsin and a shaky outing against Florida Atlantic doesn’t change that. But the Badgers do need a bit more consistency from their signal caller if the college football playoff is the ultimate destination.