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Wisconsin set to replace injured Edwards with O'Neil as starting quarterback against Middle Tennessee

Wisconsin's coach, Luke Fickell, confirmed on Tuesday that it's highly probable that quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. won't be able to play against Middle Tennessee on Saturday due to his knee injury.

Wisconsin readies O'Neil as their new QB, filling the spot vacated by injured Edwards against...
Wisconsin readies O'Neil as their new QB, filling the spot vacated by injured Edwards against Middle Tennessee

Wisconsin set to replace injured Edwards with O'Neil as starting quarterback against Middle Tennessee

Wisconsin Badgers Turn to Danny O'Neil as Starting Quarterback

In a surprising turn of events, Wisconsin's football team will have a new face leading their offensive line against Middle Tennessee. Danny O'Neil, who transferred from San Diego State, has been named as the starting quarterback, replacing the injured Billy Edwards Jr.

Edwards, who made his Wisconsin debut in the season-opener against Miami (Ohio), suffered a knee injury during the game and is unlikely to play against Middle Tennessee. O'Neil, who filled in for Edwards against Miami (Ohio), showcased his fiery nature and delivered a solid performance, going 12 of 19 for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also added 13 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

The Badgers are facing a Middle Tennessee team that lost its opener to Austin Peay, marking the first time since 1987 that a Championship Subdivision school had beaten a Bowl Subdivision program. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell has expressed confidence in O'Neil, stating that he brings "some fire" and "juice to the huddle."

Before joining Wisconsin, Edwards Jr. played for Maryland, where he completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. O'Neil, on the other hand, started 11 games for San Diego State last year, completing 63.3% of his passes for 2,181 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The backup quarterback for the Badgers while Edwards Jr. is injured will be Hunter Simmons. O'Neil credited Edwards Jr. for helping him on the sideline after his injury, and Fickell praised Edwards Jr.'s leadership and work ethic.

Wisconsin has a history of quarterback injuries, with Tanner Mordecai missing 3 1/2 games due to a broken hand in 2023, and Tyler Van Dyke tearing his anterior cruciciate ligament last year and missing the rest of the season. The team will be hoping that O'Neil can provide stability at the quarterback position and help them to a win against Middle Tennessee.

San Diego State finished the 2022 season with a record of 3-9, but O'Neil's performances were a bright spot for the team. The Badgers will be hoping that he can bring the same level of performance to their team and help them to a successful season.

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