Change has come to Madison, Wisconsin. Luke Fickell is the new head coach, Jim Leonhard is likely sticking around, and there have been several players transfer out. Most notable is the transfer of quarterback Graham Mertz. Despite these additions and subtractions, there is still work to be done before the 2022 Badgers season is over. Thanks to their victory over Nebraska, Wisconsin was awarded a spot in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. Recently, Coach Fickell commented on the Badgers’ Bowl Game:
Luke Fickell on the #Badgers bowl game: "I'm really excited for this opportunity for our players. OSU is a great program and I have tremendous respect for Coach Gundy and his staff. Bowl games are great rewards for players and staff and I can't wait to start our preparation."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 4, 2022
This game will be the first meeting ever between Wisconsin and Oklahoma State.
Questions for the Badgers Going Into the Game
Now that Graham Mertz has entered the transfer portal, one major question is: who is going to play quarterback? While it is likely that Fickell will recruit a quarterback to Wisconsin for next season, he will have to use other quarterbacks Wisconsin has on their roster. While Fickell has not announced officially who will play quarterback in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, many expect freshman and Wisconsin native Myles Burkett to get the start:
Lookin’ more and more like the in-state product, Myles Burkett will be QB1 when the #Badgers play Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix on Dec. 27.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) December 4, 2022
Burkett was a three-star recruit from Franklin, Wisconsin. Coach Fickell is known for preferring dual-threat quarterbacks to run his offense, and that is what Burkett is. This game will truly be a test for the young freshman. If he performs well, he may have a future in the program. If he does not, Fickell may go out and get his own starting quarterback.
The Guaranteed Rate Bowl will take place on December 27. It does not kickoff until 9:15 PM. This will be Wisconsin’s 22nd straight year appearing in a Bowl game.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
