While there was a chance that either of Wisconsin's two most important players might play on Saturday, they will be without quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and center Jake Renfro for yet another week. Both veteran leaders have played sparingly this season. Wisconsin's offensive line has largely deteriorated in Renfro's extended absence. As for Edwards, he has been a massive disappointment.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Saturday that both key pieces for Wisconsin will be out again. Fellow transfer quarterback Danny O'Neil will be making his third start in a Badgers uniform. He got the nod vs. Middle Tennessee in Week 2 and at Alabama in Week 3 with Edwards being held out. O'Neil filled in for Edwards in the second half vs. Miami (OH) in Week 1 and all but two drives vs. Maryland in Week 4.
With the Badgers settled at 2-2 on the season and 0-1 in Big Ten play, this team is running out of time to get things turned around. Edwards transferring from Maryland seems to be regrettable, as the guy simply cannot stay healthy. Had head coach Luke Fickell not effectively forced him into the Maryland game, Wisconsin would have it starting quarterback fully healthy heading into the Michigan meeting.
Wisconsin may have been sold a bill of good with Edwards, but Fickell crashed this lemon into a ditch.
Luke Fickell has to own his decision on playing Billy Edwards Jr. in Week 4
For better or worse, O'Neil has come in and played as hard as he can in a less than advantageous situation. The San Diego State transfer has taken a beating on this Wisconsin team in relief of a constantly injured Edwards. Frankly, with how this season is going, would it not serve Edwards to take a medical redshirt and try it again next season, potentially on a new staff? He was their saving grace...
With only so many more opportunities to get conference wins, Wisconsin feels like it is effectively punting on trying to steal one in Ann Arbor. Not to say this was a likely spot for an upset bid for the Badgers, but this team is not going to be favored in any game the rest of the way. The Badgers will need to win four games in their final eight to have any hope of going to a bowl to save Fickell's job.
Truth be told, that might not matter. People are growing so tired of Fickell's dog and pony show in Madison. Week in and week out, his teams are so woefully unprepared. They always start slow and it cost them games pretty much every week. While having Edwards and Renfro out there could have eaten away at the likely deficit Wisconsin will face vs. Michigan, we know where their priorities are at.
For now, let's hold on for dear life and try to survive this Michigan road date before hosting Iowa next.