After four rollercoaster years in which he set the Wisconsin quarterback record for wins, Joel “Sunshine” Stave’s reign as the Badger’s quarterback is over. For some, that may come as a relief. He was wild, erratic, and made some truly awful decisions. However, he did provide relative stability. For four years (felt like at least 10 years), he kept winning the starting job over and over. But now, Sunshine has moved on. He has a new life playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Wisconsin must finally choose a successor.
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Choosing the right quarterback is crucial for Wisconsin this season given their ridiculously challenging schedule. Their running game will return to typical Wisconsin standards behind Corey Clement and a revamped offensive line. Wisconsin’s defense is going to be great once again, led by one of the best linebacker groups in the country. Wisconsin has a serious chance to make some noise and win some of the big games on their schedule… If either Bart Houston or Alex Hornibrook can step up, claim the job, and make some plays in fall camp.
What We Know:
There is going to be a true quarterback competition between Bart Houston and Alex Hornibrook, and that is really all we know heading in to fall camp. Bart Houston, a redshirt senior, and Alex Hornibrook, a redshirt freshman, are on the opposite ends of their college career spectrums. But according to Wisconsin Football Coach Paul Chryst, the two are neck and neck for the starting job.
Chryst said he doesn't know when they'll name a starter but likes what Houston and Hornibrook did in the spring.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) July 26, 2016
Bart Houston was a very highly touted recruit coming in to Wisconsin, but so far, he hasn’t been able to live up to the billing. Even though he has dealt with a nagging shoulder injury, his time in Madison has been disappointing if for no other reason than he has had plenty of opportunities to live up to his potential.
However, he did look impressive in a win over Illinois after Stave went down. He showed he still had a ton of arm strength and talent, completing 22 of 33 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. For that reason, the job was presumed to be his coming into the season.
Then Hornibrook came along. Back in 2015 as a true freshmen, he was the breakout star in both spring and fall camp. The coaching staff fell in love with his touch, composure, and accuracy. However, he still had to improve his arm strength and decision making. In his second spring camp, Hornibrook showed he was vastly improved and ready to compete. In Wisconsin’s 2016 spring game, he stole the show, completing three beautiful deep balls, including two touchdown bombs to George Rushing.
Meanwhile, Houston was solid, but not good enough to clinch a starting spot. And just like that, we have a true quarterback competition.
What We Need To Find Out:
Who will win the competition and become the starter?
Here’s the dilemma facing the coaching staff — go with experience of Houston in hopes of navigating a ridiculously difficult front half of the season, or allow the young Hornibrook to take some lumps early and pay off down the road?
There are pros and cons to each, as we’ve noted Houston’s performance in his most extended action against Illinois. But, if you acknowledge the difficulty level of the schedule and the youth of the team, it might make sense to give the young guy some valuable experience that could lead to a big payoff down the road.
Paul Chryst proved last year that he will choose the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win now, not in the future. If Hornibrook and Houston have fairly even fall camps, Houston will most likely get the job due to his experience. As skilled as Hornibrook is, playing your first college game against LSU at Lambeau field is not an ideal situation. However, if Houston struggles, Hornibrook will likely unseat him at some point this season.
Player To Watch:
Kare Lyles, Fr
While all eyes are on Hornibrook and Houston, as they should be, Lyles is flying under the radar. He was a 3-star recruit with good arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. From his high school highlights, he truly looks to be the complete package. Unfortunately, he missed spring camp with a hip injury, so this will be our first look at Wisconsin’s potential quarterback of the future. However, he is the only other scholarship quarterback on the roster, making him all but a lock for the 3rd-string slot.
While he doesn’t have a shot at the starting job this year, he is certainly someone that can be a great player for the Badgers down the road. Also, keep in mind that in two of the last four years, Wisconsin’s third-string quarterback has gotten in the game. In 2012, it was Curt Philips who actually started the final five games of the season, including the Rose Bowl (shudder). Lyles is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Our Projected Depth Chart
QB1: Bart Houston, RS Sr.
QB2: Alex Hornibrook RS Fr.
QB3: Kare Lyles, Fr.
QB 4: Garrett Groshek, Fr.
Overall Outlook
This Wisconsin Football team is very talented, with a great defense and running game. In order for Wisconsin to be competitive and have a chance to make the Big Ten championship game, the quarterback has to take care of the ball. That is priority number one.
Whether it is Houston or Hornibrook, the quarterback can’t try to do too much. He just needs to take care of the ball, occasionally keep the defense on their toes with play action passes, and manage the offense. Let Corey Clement, Robert Wheewlright, and the defense take care of the rest. That should be enough to make Wisconsin competitive with anyone they play this season.
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