On Monday afternoon the Wisconsin Badgers will take to Camp Randall for the second scrimmage of fall camp. It will be vitally important, not only for the players but for those in the media that will be in attendance.
See, from here on out everything will be pure speculation. That’s because following the scrimmage, all practices are closed to the media.
It means that some big questions hopefully get big answers after the scrimmage. We already know some answers to the big questions we asked prior to camp, but believe it or not…new ones have emerged over the last few weeks.
Let’s take a look at the biggest questions that need answers during Monday’s scrimmage though.
1) Can anyone step up behind Warren Herring at Nose Guard?
One of the biggest concerns on the defensive side of the ball is the lack of experience and depth behind starting nose guard Warren Herring. After a few weeks of camp, those questions still remain, and that’s not a good thing for the plans UW has had for its defensive line.
In fact, one of the biggest statements made by the coaching staff prior to the start of the season was just how multiple this defensive line was going to be with Herring’s athleticism. What hasn’t happened is enough consistency from young players like Arthur Goldberg and Jeremy Patterson. Until the coaching staff feels confident in those two guys, don’t look for Herring to be playing many other positions than nose guard.
On Monday, both Goldberg and Patterson have a great opportunity to build on some momentum gained late last week. A good showing by one or both should allow the coaching staff to start playing to the strengths they see, and that means moving Herring around in pass rush situations.
2) Who’s the starting quarterback?
Last week we heard that offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig would look to name a starter following Monday’s scrimmage. Then we also heard that incumbent starter Joel Stave was taking most of the reps with the No. 1 offense…until we also heard the coaching staff talk about how quickly Tanner McEvoy closed the gap when that situation took place.
For me, that leaves this situation exactly where we started…with a lot of people reading a lot of things in to a race that is probably a lot closer internally then the media is seeing.
What is true is that Monday’s scrimmage will be the final chance for one or the other to win the job.
Talked to @BadgerFootball OC Andy Ludwig after practice. He says he'll pick a QB soon after the team's Monday scrimmage.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) August 15, 2014
However, will the Badgers signal callers have a good enough performance to sway the decision one way or the other? I have a feeling it will take a great passing and leadership performance from McEvoy to change what seems like a tide going Stave’s way.
3) 4th inside linebacker….who will it be?
Wisconsin’s rash of injuries has hit the linebacker position harder than any other position on the roster. However, the silver lining is that the Badgers have gotten a great look at the depth chart at the position. Young players have also seen opportunities they may not have in the second week of camp.
No player has benefited more than true freshman D’Cota Dixon, who was believed to be too undersized for playing time at inside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. However, many reports out of camp had him as a standout player over the last week.
Monday will be a great test for him, along with fellow freshman T.J. Edwards (who moved outside because of need). If either, or both, shine it could mean they earn minutes as the fourth inside linebacker once all these players return from various injuries.
4) What is the pecking order at Wide Receiver?
The good news is that Wisconsin’s biggest question entering fall camp…mainly if they had anything at wide receiver at all…seems to have been answered. Wisconsin clearly have a lot of players capable of stepping up, but the new question is just where certain players stand on the depth chart and in the rotation.
Monday’s scrimmage is especially important for the freshman trio of Natrell Jamerson, George Rushing and Krenwick Sanders. It’s clear all three will make the travel roster, but a great showing on Monday from any, or all, of them will go a long way to making sure they play their way on to the field.
When you combine that opportunity with the lack of staying healthy from Rob Wheelwright and Jazz Peavy, you see a way all three could play big roles during the season.
About the only thing that is locked in stone is that Kenzel Doe has a lock on one of the two starting spots.
5) Will the Safety Dance stop?
Wisconsin has had injury issues all camp long, and while it’s hit the linebackers hardest, the injury bug has also played havoc on the battle for the starting safety spot next to Michael Caputo. UW will likely play Monday’s scrimmage without Leo Musso, who appeared to have a jump on the starting spot early in camp.
However, he’s been out with an injury as of late and it’s led to an interesting battle between two freshmen (Lubern Figaro and Austin Hudson) and fifth-year senior Peniel Jean. Last week saw Figaro have some good days in camp according to reports, but doing it in a game-like situation could really solidify the pecking order at safety.
Looking like #Badgers will have true freshman Lubern Figaro starting at FS. "He is our best chance to win" – UW DC Dave Aranda
— Jon Griffith (@JoncGriffith) August 16, 2014
In fact, a great day by Figaro may end up earning him a starting spot for the opener against LSU, while Musso backs him up until he’s 100 percent healthy. Either way, expect to see Figaro and Hudson make it on the field in 2014…they’ve earned their W’s early for a reason.
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