Wisconsin Football: Two Career Throws from Alex Hornibrook

Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook has taken some (un)deserved lumps this season for his interceptions and accuracy issues.  But he deliver two strikes Saturday to change the game.

On Saturday, Wisconsin’s offense was at best sputtering against Michigan’s tough defense.  QB Alex Hornibrook couldn’t find any rhythm and appears to be running out of ideas.

But with the game on the line, Alex Hornibrook connected with AJ Taylor twice.  That changed the game, potentially the season, and hopefully his career.

Wisconsin football has struggled with continuity at QB frankly since John Stocco left after the 2006.  Yes, Joel Stave won a lot of games and played as a freshman.  But he had injuries and cameos from Tanner McEvoy and Curt Phillips.

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His freshman year Hornibrook shared snaps with Bart Houston.  Now the job is his until further notice.  Of course, not everybody (including Badger of Honor) has been thrilled with his play.

In fact, tied at seven, Hornibrook threw a bad interception from dep in his own end.  He forced a throw late over the middle which is a good idea approximately never.  But per usual, he bounced right back.

He then threw two of his best throws of his career.  The first came on 3rd-and-13 from the Wisconsin 31 with 4:41 left in the third quarter.  The Badgers were down 10-7 at the time and still searching for answers on offense.

Instead of the conservative check down I was expecting, Hornibrook dropped back and slung a dart to Taylor for a 51-yard gain.

The set Bucky up at the Michigan 18.  Yet a run and incomplete pass put the Badgers in 3rd-and-16.

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Again, to their credit, Wisconsin and Hornibrook went for it.  Wisconsin lined up with Rachid Ibrahim as the lone RB in the shotgun.  Wisconsin had Danny Davis as the single WR to the right.  Kendric Pryor, AJ Taylor to the left with Troy Fumagalli in the slot to the left.

At the snap, Ibrahim stuttered like he was going to block and then ran upfield against the linebacker covering him.  The receivers went vertical with Fumagalli in the slot drawing attention centrally.

That created just enough of a crease for Hornibrook to find Taylor to the inside.  Notably, Hornibrook took a 3-step drop from the shotgun.

Sensing pressure he alertly stepped forward smoothly stepping into his throw.  That helped create the velocity to drive the ball into the narrow window.

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Wisconsin scored to go up 14-10, the first of its final 17 points of the game.  Wisconsin scored a touchdown on its next drive to stretch to 21-10 and put Michigan to the sword.  And they did it thanks to some confident throws from its maligned starter.