Wisconsin Badgers reigniting QB competition following brutal 37-0 performance

Simmons recorded a quarterback rating of 0.8 after completing just eight of his 21 pass attempts for 82 yards and two interceptions. Statistically, Simmons could only have had a worse quarterback rating if his completions turned into ground balls. The quarterback did not suffer a sack and was not hit while throwing once during the game either as many of the mistakes were due to inaccuracy.

The performance of Simmons made way for a renewed competition between Simmons and former back-up turned starter Danny O’Neil. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. could be in play as well, but his status is currently unknown.

Coach Luke Fickell previously stated that he should have “saved him from himself” when speaking about Edwards Jr. and his injury flare-ups. Whether or not Edwards Jr. plays in the near future will be interesting to see given the comments of Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers’ need for solid quarterback play.

Who will Start at Quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers Against the Ohio State Buckeyes?

Regardless of who starts at quarterback for Wisconsin, the Badgers are likely in deep trouble. The Buckeyes just defeated a tough Illinois team 34-16 away from home and the Fighting Ilini are certainly better than Wisconsin this season. Ohio State has no issues playing away from home and the Buckeyes are finally starting to fully click on defense despite some key injuries.

With that being said, a certain quarterback option might present more potential against the Buckeyes’ defense given his versatility. Danny O’Neil originally lost his starting role due to the costly interceptions he had thrown. Simmons, however, threw equally painful interceptions that hurt the Badgers’ offense against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

O’Neil may not be an elite runner but the quarterback is able to move far better than the other two quarterback options Wisconsin has played this year. The Buckeyes have rising stars on defense such as Tywone Malone Jr., who Coach Ryan Day praised this morning, that will certainly apply pressure all game. The ability to take off and additionally run a more dangerous option game could allow for Wisconsin to find some success on offense.

Currently, Simmons and O’Neil are locked into a battle for the starting role this week as the job appears to be between the two.

The status of former starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is still unknown, however. The quarterback was not made available to the media today alongside edge rusher Tyreese Fearbry. Edwards Jr. played a handful of snaps against Maryland before bowing out of the contest and has not returned to action since. When Edwards Jr. will possibly play and what the plan for the quarterback is if he does not return is unclear.