As of this writing, the Wisconsin Badgers are keeping things close going up against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in Madison. This is something not a lot of people expected to be the case, as the Ducks have been sensational this year.
However, the Wisconsin defense has stepped up, giving Dillon Gabriel all sorts of problems. The problem, though, is the Badgers' offense has looked sluggish and quarterback Braedyn Locke is having another rough showing.
In the first quarter alone, Locke was 0-for-4 with his pass attempts and Wisconsin went three-and-out on its first three drives. Then in the second quarter early on, with the offense driving, Locke had a wide open Tawee Walker for what would have been an easy touchdown. Instead, he sailed the toss and the Badgers settled for a field goal. It has fans calling for him to be benched once again.
Boos rain down on the #Badgers after their third three-and-out of the first quarter. Nothing doing in the run game and QB Braedyn Locke not comfortable in the pocket.
— Colten Bartholomew (@CBartWSJ) November 17, 2024
Same recipe Wisconsin fans have watched the last few weeks.
Wisconsin fans were booing Braedyn Locke after another rough start
In order for the Badgers to try and pull off a stunning upset, Locke simply has to be better. With that said, people in Madison have lost nearly every bit of patience they've had with the signal-caller, as his play is infuriating to watch at times.
Earlier in the week, offensive coordinator Phil Longo was asked about freshman QB Mabrey Mettauer, a former 4-star prospect, potentially taking over the offense. Longo made it clear that the youngster isn't quite ready yet.
Starting him against Oregon wouldn't have made any sense, as the last thing Luke Fickell would have wanted to do was have him take on the best team in the country in his first significant college action. A call like that could potentially ruin his confidence. However, Locke is costing this team in the worst way possible. If he doesn't improve, then benching him for the games against Nebraska and Minnesota may be what's needed to wake up this offense for the rest of 2024.