Wisconsin’s 10-27 loss against Maryland last week has put the team in a very stressful stage. The defeat meant a continuous losing streak for the Badgers, something that can have severe implications later this season. To add to it, Billy Edwards Jr., their starting QB, has missed most of the season due to injury. They sit near the bottom in the Big Ten, and their matchup against a revamped Michigan will be a true test for Luke Fickell.

Edwards Jr.’s knee injury against Miami was a huge blow for the Badgers. Replacing a starting QB is never easy. Backup Danny O’Neil stepped up for the vacant position, but has not been able to make a significant difference. He has had 5 interceptions in 85 attempts, which is not a good sign. However, Luke Fickell has some ray of hope, now that his main QB is at least on the path of returning to the field.

Edwards Jr. has been spotted on the practice field this week, and now questions arise for Fickell. Who will the HC pick against Michigan. An underwhelming O’Neil or an injury-prone Billy? Starting Danny O’Neil seems like the safer option for Fickell. The backup sophomore struggled against power 4 teams. But despite the issues, it is better than trotting out an injured Edwards and making his recovery period even longer.

After Miami, reports expected Edwards Jr. to return in a couple of weeks. Fickell did put him out against Maryland. But then regretted it. He was taken out after one drive. A starting QB getting injured twice in five weeks creates a major concern for any head coach. Starting him against Michigan would be a risk, one that could even put him out for the rest of the season.

While Danny O’Neil has not performed at the level of a star QB, in four games, he managed to have a passing completion rate of 70.6%. Those are not terrible numbers. But he does need help with the running game and from the offensive line. Otherwise he will continue his streak of at least one interception per game.

Offense is the major concern ahead of the Michigan game

Facing Michigan after a defeat is not usually a good sign for any team. Now add offensive struggles and slow starts to it. That’s exactly where Wisconsin is at this season. Their defense has been solid since last season. Jeff Grimes’ unit comes in as one of the best run-stopping defenses in the country. But their offense has looked bleak.

It’s not just the numbers, though. The Badgers have struggled against better opposition and have lacked in dictating the tempo of the game. Against Maryland and Alabama, they conceded huge deficits in the earlier stages of the game. Lineup changes in the O-line have disturbed its rhythm. And of course, Billy Edwards Jr.’s injury and Danny O’Neil’s performance have added inconsistencies to the team overall.

Michigan comes into this matchup confident after plowing through Central Michigan and a close win against Nebraska. They will look to keep their winning streak alive, aiming for a 4-1 record. Wisconsin will have to sort out its offensive struggles, or it could be looking at a 2-3 record with Fickell on the hot seat.