The final score does not matter. It is and has been a lost season for the Wisconsin Badgers pretty much since opening night. After having to start four different quarterbacks so far this season, no wonder Luke Fickell's team has stumbled to a terrible 3-7 start to the season. Wisconsin will not be bowl eligible for another season. The good news is not all is lost because of freshman Carter Smith.
Smith made his first career start on Saturday on the road at the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers. While Wisconsin struggled to do much of anything offensively, especially in the second half, Smith completed 9-of-15 passes for 98 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Indiana clobbered Wisconsin to the tune of 31-7 in the game, but the vibes Smith was giving off were honestly positive.
We saw a shifty and athletic quarterback doing his best to move the sticks on the first true College Football Playoff lock of the season in 11-0 (8-0) Indiana. He had to go up against Heisman Trophy contender Fernando Mendoza. While he did not exactly hold his own, it did not feel like the stage was too big for him. That was the case with Hunter Simmons. He is more talented than anyone they have.
So if Wisconsin is serious about turning this thing around, it must empower Smith the rest of the way.
Carter Smith is the player to bring hope back into the Wisconsin program
What we have been looking for all season long is a quarterback who fits what offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is trying to do. While there are no guarantees he will even be back next season, if Luke Fickell had his way, he most certainly will be. What helps accentuate a Grimes offense is to have a quarterback with great vision and the ability to tuck it and run when the opportunity presents itself.
Because of Smith's baseball background, this could be a positive sign for what is to come for Wisconsin football moving forward. You know who else had a strong baseball background prior to coming to Madison? That would be Russell Wilson. He got drafted by the Colorado Rockies. In fact, his baseball career played a part in him coming to Wisconsin after starring for North Carolina State.
Yes, we might be getting ahead of ourselves here, but Smith's feel for the game is hard to overlook. This guy is only a freshman! The best part is he will not be burning his redshirt this season, as he has only played in two games so far and Wisconsin only has two remaining. He played better in his first career start than his first career appearance last week vs. Washington. The weather was a big reason.
With only Illinois and Minnesota left, look for Smith to build off a great early sample size at Wisconsin.