What can we expect from the Wisconsin Badgers offense when they take on the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on Saturday night in Madison? Hopefully a much better showing than what we've seen in recent weeks. The ground game needs to get going, that's a given.
However, the mistakes must be at a minimum at quarterback. Braedyn Locke is set to start once again this weekend in place of the injured Tyler Van Dike (torn ACL). However, with his poor play against Penn State and Iowa of late, countless fans have been calling for him to get benched.
That's not going to happen, at least not in Week 12. While speaking to the media, offensive coordinator Phil Longo was of course asked about the QB play and the potential for the Badgers to make a switch behind center. Not yet, Longo made clear.
Wisconsin is planning to stick with Braedyn Lock as the starting QB vs. Oregon
"Mabrey (Mettauer) is progressing. We're not at a point right now where we're gonna do anything (making a move at QB)," Longo told reporters. "Mabrey's progress, along with Milos' progress, is part of that process I was talking about earlier. You want to put them out there when they are absolutely ready to roll."
Mabrey Mettauer is a former four-star signee, a prospect Wisconsin fans are excited about for the future. However, would you really want him to make his first start against the top team in the country? You'd be setting him up to ruin his confidence.
Instead, Wisconsin is ready to give Locke at least one more chance to prove his worth. He's been able to make some strong throws this season, but the turnovers have been back-breaking. Locke has thrown at least one INT in six straight games, including two vs. Iowa. He has to be better, otherwise the calls for Mettauer from the fanbase are going to grow louder sooner rather than later.