In a way, this might actually work in Wisconsin's favor on Saturday. Knowing that the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders might be one of the worst teams in FBS, it is the perfect opportunity for backup quarterback Danny O'Neil to gain even more confidence. Luke Fickell effectively named him the starter for Week 2's matchup vs. Middle Tennessee with starter Billy Edwards Jr. week-to-week.
One of the things that was most impressive about O'Neil coming in and putting out the small fires his Wisconsin teammates created in the first half was his poise under pressure. He did not play a perfect game, far from it in fact... However, his starting experience last year at San Diego State proved to be critical in the Badgers getting a 17-0 shutout victory at home over the Miami RedHawks on Thursday.
Fickell was asked about O'Neil's level of cockiness at the podium Tuesday and had a great response.
Luke Fickell loves confident and authentic players like Danny O'Neil
Fickell was quite impressive at the podium on Tuesday, delivering one gem of a quote after another.
"Well, I think it's authentic. I think that is probably one thing in a short amount of time that I felt as well. I'm sure the guys have felt there's a difference. I love an athletic arrogance. They're borderlines on some things that then become cocky that can maybe rub some people... I don't mean that you're worried about rubbing people the wrong way, but in the complimentary world we want to be in, I think he straddles that line."
The biggest takeaway here is Fickell believes this attitude emanating from O'Neil is purely authentic. If this is who he is, then so be it. Fickell and the rest of the Badgers know they can win with this guy, for as long as it takes for Edwards to get back to being fully healthy. O'Neil has a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of this situation, for not only this year, but definitely heading into next season, too.
Here is Fickell's entire press conference from Tuesday ahead of Week 2's Middle Tennessee game.
Here is why anything positive O'Neil provides the Badgers this year will serve him in the long run.
Danny O'Neil has a shot to make himself a household name at Wisconsin
In a best-case scenario for Wisconsin, O'Neil plays very well vs. Middle Tennessee on Saturday before giving way to Edwards in time for the Alabama game in two weeks. O'Neil will have put forth at least six quality quarters' worth of tape. It would be something Wisconsin could look at heading into next year as the Badgers' potential starter. Furthermore, other teams may want to add O'Neil in the portal.
Quarterback play and injuries largely derailed both of Fickell's first two seasons at the helm of Wisconsin. There are no excuses for him this year, even if Edwards is not the same player once he comes back... Then again, what if O'Neil stops the bleeding? What if he is the quarterback that instills confidence in the program going forward? What if he is the one to shock Alabama at Bryant-Denny?
Ultimately, O'Neil seems to have the right attitude to have Wisconsin playing meaningful football in September. He does need to get every first-team rep possible until Edwards gets back to have any real shot of being a giant slayer. Jeff Grimes' offense is new for everyone in Madison. Playing fast and together is how the Badgers can get back to being more than just a bowl team in Fickell's third year.
In a strange turn of events, Wisconsin is playing with house money, despite being down its starter.