The quarterback situation for Wisconsin's next opponent is unclear; it's as muddy as anything Wisconsin has had to deal with at quarterback all season. The starter, Mark Gronowski, was injured against Indiana and is said to be week-to-week. He could play, but he may not. Who will start if he doesn't? It could be Hank Brown, who came in for the injured Gronowski, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said it could also be Jeremy Hecklinski.
Does this sound familiar? Luke Fickell has been casting the same sort of shadow over the Wisconsin program. It could be Billy Edwards Jr. if he's healthy by Friday; it could also be Danny O'Neil, who's been having good weeks at practice, or it could be Hunter Simmons, who played well last week.
Iowa has no idea who will start at quarterback against Wisconsin and there are three options
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At least that's how it's been lately. This week, Fickell did say it would most likely be Simmons if Edwards Jr. still can't go. However, the coaches are playing the same quarterback game, and Ferentz is hoping it doesn't bite him in the butt like it did Fickell.
As for an injury update with Gronowski, Ferentz said this:
"Regarding Mark [Gronowski] - so far, so good. It’s been encouraging. He’s gotten some good work in. A week ago, I wasn’t so optimistic. We will take it as we go... Right now we’re working all three of the guys, but he worked well today."Kirk Ferentz
In the 20-15 loss to Indiana, Hank Brown came in after Gronkowski was injured. He went 5/13 with 48 yards and an interception. He didn't look very confident and played in a way that caused fans to ask if Hecklinski could go if Gronowski couldn't.
It will be a development to watch for both fanbases. If it ends up being Billy Edwards Jr. vs. Mark Gronowski, it will be a much different game than Hunter Simmons vs. Jeremy Hecklinski. The first matchup has the potential to make this a fun rivalry game; the other has the potential to be a punt-fest. Maybe it will be anyway.