The Wisconsin Badgers weren’t expected to win the game on Saturday against No. 3 Ohio State. The Badgers remain unranked and have been going through a bit of a transition period on offense during this season, with new head coach Luke Fickell trying to implement the offensive style of Phil Longo.
The Badgers, however, didn’t go down without a fight. Like with the previous week, a lot of it came down to QB Braedyn Locke and his ability to lead the team with poise and not falter under pressure.
Braedyn Locke for the Wisconsin Badgers
Locke was thrust into action for the Wisconsin Badgers when Tanner Mordecai went down with a hand injury and will be the guy under center for the remainder of the season. The Badgers defense did everything they could, holding Ohio State to 24 points, and even nabbed two interceptions and four sacks from QB Kyle McCord.
It seemed like it might be enough for the Wisconsin Badgers to pull off an upset as they came out of halftime and immediately evened up the score at 10-10. Unfortunately for the Badgers and Braedyn Locke, their rushing game took a hit, with Braelon Allen sitting out the second half with an injury, which limited their ability to establish the running game.
Braedyn Locke, however, continued to impress under center. He went 18 for 39 in passing with 165 yards and one touchdown. He managed to escape without an interception, but there was only so much he could do against the undefeated Ohio State defense
Fans React to Braedyn Locke’s Play Through Two Games
The real question of the day is, how are Wisconsin Badgers fans feeling about Braedyn Locke after his first two starts? Is he the guy moving forward? Let’s take a look at what social media has to say.
Wisconsin has something in Braedyn Locke — QB1 material.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) October 29, 2023
Wisconsin barely covered, but…despite about as good of a defensive performance as I expected, the offense looked inexperienced against the OSU D. Braedyn Locke showed he can lead this offense, despite all adversity. B1G Championship unlikely for Bucky, but a bowl is likely.
— Nick Hummel (@nickolashummel) October 29, 2023
THATS A LOTTA JUICE FOR A GUY MAKING HIS SECOND START!!!
Lulu Locke was dealing tonight. Our future is bright in Madison with @Braedyn_Locke3 #OnWisconsin | #Badgers https://t.co/RYOiX3KTEe
— ℝ𝕪𝕒𝕟 𝔼𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 (@EIL3RS) October 29, 2023
Braedyn Locke will lead the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship within the next 4 years! #Badgers #B1G #CFB
— Ben Figi (@bfigi_44) October 29, 2023
Braedyn Locke is better than Tanner Mordecai.
— Andre (@AndreBengals) October 29, 2023
If you look up the definition of “mid” in the dictionary, you’ll see Braedyn Locke’s picture. He shows flashes at times, but watching people go gaga over a guy who is wildly inconsistent is laughable. Defense spotted him 3 to’s in the first half and he scored 3 points. So mid.
— BG43 (@bgillett43) October 29, 2023
There was even a nice comparison to a former Wisconsin Badgers QB in Graham Mertz.
Braedyn Locke is going to be what Badger fans thought Graham Mertz would be. Very impressed with this kid.
— tom burton (@tom_burton9) October 29, 2023
One silver lining from this: Braedyn Locke is a gamer. Depleted offensive weapons around him and the redshirt freshman stays strong in the pocket.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 29, 2023
I’m not saying Braedyn Locke is great, but he’s making some impressive reads and throws.
— Javonte Burner💦 (@giannis4three) October 29, 2023
Braedyn Locke! 🔥Perfect Start!!#OnWisconsin #CollegeFootball https://t.co/55SyoooF41
— Justin Scherer (@GameManager35) October 29, 2023
I really like this young QB Braedyn Locke for Wisconsin… it’s only his 2nd start in college and he’s played better against Ohio State than almost any Badger quarterback in recent history lol
— Poptimist Prime (@Dill_Wodd) October 29, 2023
Braedyn Locke is that dude. This kid is just different. Ice in his veins for a RS Freshman. #OnWisconsin 👐🏻🦡
— Jason Ruesch (@Ol_DirtyBadger) October 29, 2023
