Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) walks to the locker room after being injured against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Coming off a 2–0 start, Wisconsin heads into Week 3 with momentum—but also with plenty of uncertainty. The biggest storyline ahead of Saturday’s showdown at No. 19 Alabama is the status of starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.
Edwards, who sprained his knee in the opener against Miami (OH), was officially listed as “week-to-week” after a clean MRI ruled out season-ending damage. But with game day approaching, his availability remains doubtful.
“I don’t know a whole lot about Billy,” head coach Luke Fickell said this week. “He’s throwing the ball around. He is here constantly, getting treatments and things like that. I think it is really how he feels in terms of later in the week. We’re going to have to protect Billy from himself…he’s a guy that’s going to be prepared and always wants to go.”
If Edwards can’t go, all signs point to Danny O’Neil getting the nod for a second straight start. The San Diego State transfer has made the most of his opportunity so far. After being thrown into action in Week 1, O’Neil delivered one of the most efficient debuts in program history against Middle Tennessee State: 23-of-27 for 283 yards and three touchdowns.
“As you go back and look at it, I think Danny did a really good job,” Fickell said. “All in all, what we asked him to do, I think he did a really good job of. He actually played a pretty clean game for us. So that’s exciting, moving forward.”
Still, Alabama is a much steeper test than MTSU. The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough Week 1 loss to Florida State but rebounded in a rout last weekend. For Wisconsin to compete as a heavy underdog on the road, they’ll need O’Neil to play beyond his experience level and for the offensive line to find some cohesion quickly.
Wisconsin’s revamped offense under Jeff Grimes has shown early flashes of creativity, using motion and quick-hitters to get playmakers in space. But the run game has yet to find its footing, and the line hasn’t consistently generated push—an issue that could be magnified in Tuscaloosa.
The formula might look a lot like Florida State’s in their win over the Tide: a balanced ground attack, timely quarterback runs, and smart checks at the line. That responsibility will fall heavily on O’Neil if Edwards remains sidelined.
O’Neil isn’t shying away from the challenge. “There is some extra motivation this week,” he said. “The guys are going to come out swinging, and I know we’re going to fight our hardest. I’m just excited for the opportunity to go down there and try to put ourselves on the map. Everyone’s been doubting us. No one really talks about us.”
For Wisconsin, this week is as much about the long game as it is about Alabama. Edwards was brought in to be the answer at quarterback, and the Badgers need him healthy for a brutal October stretch featuring Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon. But in the meantime, Saturday will offer a glimpse at just how far O’Neil and Grimes’ offense can carry them against one of the sport’s most talented rosters.
Fickell is still searching for his first win over a ranked team at Wisconsin. If the Badgers are going to pull off a shocker in Tuscaloosa, they’ll need to be sharp in every phase—and hope their quarterback uncertainty doesn’t prove costly.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
