The Wisconsin Badgers are expected to run out quarterback Braedyn Locke against the USC Trojans to once again give him a chance.
Badgers fans, however, have been split regarding the situation and some feel as though Locke has run his course. With expected starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke out for the season with a knee injury, Locke will once again step into the starting role due to an injury.
Last season, Locke recorded 777-yards passing, five touchdowns, one interception, and -2 rushing yards through five games. The quarterback struggled with ball security, but also had injuries in the backfield and a receiving core that struggled with drops. Both running backs Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi were limited a season ago due to different injuries.
Despite the struggles, Locke was praised by the Wisconsin Badgers staff as a ‘second starting quarterback’, which will now be put to the test.
Locke powered through a tough training camp that involved a position battle between Locke and Van Dyke for the starting role. While Van Dyke inevitably won the role, Locke proved he does have potential on the field to the Wisconsin football staff. Locke now has another chance to prove himself as the starting quarterback against a tough USC defense.
Wisconsin Badgers Quarterback Braedyn Locke Facing Tough Test Against USC
Regardless of location, which will also be a factor in the game, Locke is going up against a rather strong defense.
While the main stories surrounding USC involve defensive lineman Bear Alexander quitting the team, the defense is solid without Alexander. Former Wyoming starter and current starting defensive tackle Gavin Meyer has been the main run stopper for the team. Linebacker Eric Gentry has also been a key part of the defense, recording two sacks and a forced fumble through three games.
USC currently has five sacks on the season, but has struggled to get pressure on the quarterback against LSU and Michigan. That could have been a personnel issue involving Alexander and other defensive linemen, but it also seems to be a speed issue. LSU and Michigan had plenty of success running the ball against the Trojans when the running backs hit the hole at full speed.
The Wisconsin Badgers will need to take a page out of the books of the Tigers and Wolverines offenses. The Wisconsin Badgers have struggled this season with finding an identity on offense, and at times it feels as though the offense is forcing the ball through the air.
While the air raid offense is a great concept, many fans want the Wisconsin Badgers to get back dominating teams on the ground moving forward. Wisconsin has an interesting duo of freshmen running backs in particular that could be utilized in Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones.
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