Wisconsin's struggling pass defense takes hit with injury of star safety vs. Maryland

The injury news came in a wave this morning as Wisconsin prepares for a crucial Big Ten matchup against Maryland. The first hit was losing Jake Renfro for the game due to his ankle injury. The good news was that Billy Edwards Jr. was able to play, but depending on your perspective, it may have been better to leave him until after the bye. However, the sneaky injury that could harm the Wisconsin odds the most is the loss of Preston Zachman

Preston Zachman has been ruled out vs. Maryland after injury last week

This injury came as a surprise for many, as it wasn't talked about in the Alabama game, but according to Wisconsin, that's when it happened. While the exact nature of the injury still hasn't been disclosed, it is said that he suffered a lower-body injury in last week's game.

Zachman must have gutted it out against Alabama because he didn't take off any noticeable reps. Who takes his place against a pass-happy Maryland team? Most likely, it will be Matt Jung, who is a transfer from Division III Bethel. However, there might be a bit of a mix with Richmond transfer Matthew Traynor.

Both of them have experience at the position and will be looking to fill maybe the most enormous hole on the defense, as Zachman has been exceptional, and Maryland loves to throw.

True freshman quarterback Malik Washington and backup Khristian Martin have attempted 112 passes on the season for 798 yards and six passing touchdowns. This Terrapin team went 21 for 29 last week against Towson.

With the Badgers' stout run defense, the passing attack has been necessary for every team that has played them. Maryland already loves to do it, so Jung or Traynor or both will need to be ready and step in to fill that gap left by Zachman.