We are now less than a week away from Wisconsin’s bowl game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys Football program. The Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be in Arizona on December 27 at 9:15 PM. With the transfer portal as big as it is now, both teams will be missing players. Here’s an early look at what you need to know about the Cowboys.
Players Missing On Both Sides for Oklahoma State & Wisconsin
According to Colten Bartholonew of the Wisconsin State Journal, Oklahoma State will be without at least 11 players in this bowl game. This includes the starting quarterback and running back. It could be Garret Rangel under center for Oklahoma State Cowboys Football.
Some big names missing from the Badgers in this game will be Graham Mertz, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Joe Tippmann. It will either be senior Chase Wolf or true freshman Myles Burkett under center for Wisconsin. I would not be surprised if both saw action.
A Game About The Future for Oklahoma State & Wisconsin
When the best players are missing from a game, it’s easy to turn it off. However, it’s exciting to see young players make their names and potentially have a break-out game. Last year against Arizona State in their bowl game, Wisconsin saw Jordan Turner and Skyler Bell break out and make plays throughout the game. Now? Both are starters and have bright futures ahead of them.
Wisconsin is pretty young on the offensive side of the ball so we might not see a ton of new players against Oklahoma State, except Burkett, if he plays. The defensive side should see more young players who may not have had a ton of reps in the season. I think that’s exciting to see, as you can see what this team could have next season with Luke Fickell.
Beginning Of A New Era
As soon as this game versus Oklahoma State is over, it is on to the Luke Fickell-era. Fickell mentioned he’ll be with the team at the bowl game, but it is unclear how involved he will be. I think this is an exciting time for Wisconsin Football and that begins on Dec. 28.
With National Signing Day wrapping up, we are beginning to see the players and talent Luke Fickell is bringing in. However, there will be young players making contributions next week against Oklahoma State that will be asked to play significant roles next season. I am excited for the Luke Fickell era and I want this season to end on a great note and send the Wisconsin seniors off the right way.
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