Barry Alvarez's Ryan Hopkins plan is exactly what Luke Fickell needs to hear

Luke Fickell has done everything he can to avoid a quarterback controversy in Madison. Whether he likes it or not, it's happening, and fans want to see true freshman Ryan Hopkins take over for struggling veteran quarterback Colton Joseph. There's a real belief among Badger fans that the offensive woes start and end with Joseph. As soon as some of these incompletions turn into completions, the offense will look a lot different.

Wisconsin legend Barry Alvarez has weighed in on the debate and offers up exactly what he would do if he were Luke Fickell. It's more of a moderate middle plan rather than one or the other, and it may be just what Fickell needs to hear. Alvarez says now is a great time to give Hopkins some reps early in the game, while not pulling the plug completely on Joseph.

"Every time you are struggling, everybody wants to junk the quarterback," Alvarez told ESPN Madison. "But to your question, I think you've got to give the young kid some playing time [even] in the first half. I wouldn't start him; I wouldn't jump Joseph; I wouldn't jump [Hopkins] to number one into the game. But I would play him early in the game and see how he reacts...if he does well, you continue with him."

Barry Alvarez has a hot take about the quarterback controversy in Wisconsin

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For Alvarez, this sort of works as a "best of both worlds" situation. You give the young freshman some playing time early enough in the game that the reps are meaningful and part of a larger scheme, but it also sends a message to Joseph that he needs to step up. Alvarez even adds, "You don't just junk your current starter and throw a freshman in there."

Hopkins being a true freshman does add a slight complexity to the decision-making; even with all the talent he has, he will still be learning to read college defenses for the first time ever. This is why Alvarez wants to see him get some early playing time, with the caveat that if Hopkins is performing well, you ride the hot hand.

This also may be the perfect time to try this and let it happen for a few straight games. Wisconsin plays Rutgers this weekend, and it would give Hopkins a softer landing than Iowa, but also shake Joseph awake to reality.

After Rutgers, it's Maryland (who lost to Rutgers) and then Purdue. By the end of this three-game stretch, if Wisconsin follows the Barry Alvarez strategy, there may be a real decision that's been made in front of our very eyes. Either Hopkins has shown that he can outduel Joseph and deserves the starting job for the axe game, or he's shown to be a true freshman who needs more college reps. Either way, it's good for the program and good for Wisconsin.

Hopkins is the future, and with these final games of the season, now is the time to at least give him some meaningful series, to see what he can offer Wisconsin.

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