Badgers spotlight: Alex Hornibrook

Alex Hornibrook returns for his junior season at Wisconsin to some high expectations. The lefty is looking to make a big leap in production.

Alex Hornibrook has been as controversial a player in Wisconsin football history as any. He split time with Bart Houston as a freshman, but the job was entirely his as a sophomore. Many thought the Badgers won in spite of Hornibrook rather than because of him.

During the Michigan game, while the offense was continuing to stall with only seven points, Hornibrook looked like he might not be long for the starting quarterback position. An undefeated season hung in the balance and he wasn’t making plays. When the Badgers were on the edge of field goal range and looking to tie the game Hornibrook decided it was finally time to change everybody’s mind about him.

In the final four games of the season Hornibrook threw eight touchdowns to only three interceptions, which was a drastic improvement of his totals to that point in the season. Going into the Michigan game he had thrown 17 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

Not only was he more accurate with the ball, but he was taking more chances and making better throws. Against Miami in the Orange Bowl, Hornibrook was throwing darts from the shotgun formation inside the 10-yard line. Traditionally, Wisconsin would power the ball into the end zone from that spot behind the offensive line.

It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives of Hornibrook’s performances from last season, but it’s important to remember the Badgers still went 13-1 and were on the cusp of the College Football Playoff.

When it finally was up to him to make a play, like against Michigan and Miami, he did what he had to do. I suspect part of it was a boost in confidence, but part of it may also have been desperation. Regardless, it’s apparent Hornibrook figured something out at the end of the season.

Looking ahead to 2018

Part of why Wisconsin was able to win 13 games last year, despite Hornibrook’s interception issues, was because of the incredible defense. Many key contributors on defense are gone, but some big names are still coming back. Most importantly, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is returning to Madison. A step back in defensive production is expected, but it shouldn’t be too bad.

Wisconsin’s strength in 2018 will be on offense. The only starters not returning on that side of the ball are Troy Fumagalli and Austin Ramesh. The entire offensive line, receiving core and running back group are back and will likely be better than in 2017. Hornibrook may not have to even play better in 2018 than he did in 2017 and the offense might still be elite. But I think late-season Hornibrook is here to stay.

It’s one thing to just show the flashes of being a good quarterback, but it’s completely different to have your coaches backing you up. Paul Chryst showed tremendous amounts of trust with Hornibrook in big games last season. On crucial downs he decided to let Hornibrook make a throw down the field instead of packing it in for a field goal. This will likely continue in 2018, especially with the talent at receiver the Badgers will have to work with.

Hornibrook’s numbers may not be eye-popping since the running game will probably still be something opposing defenses can’t handle. If the Badgers get into any shootouts, like against Penn State or Purdue, Hornibrook will be able to shoulder the load. Against an elite defense, like Michigan, he will be able to keep the defense on its toes.

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The one thing that needs to change is his interception numbers. I expect them to drop significantly for two reasons. First, I simply think he’ll be a much better quarterback. Second, it might be necessary if the defense won’t be as great.