10
Loading video...
By Bryan Colbert Jr.
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Wisconsin is expected to turn to a freshman quarterback as it looks to recover from its first shutout loss of the season.
Ryan Hopkins is expected to make his first career start Saturday against Rutgers, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Friday. Starter Colton Joseph has been dealing with an injury and is not expected to start.
The report does not establish whether Joseph will be unavailable altogether, but it puts Hopkins in line for a significant opportunity with the Badgers one win from bowl eligibility.
Read More on NCAA
Hopkins received an extended look during last Saturday’s 30-0 loss at Iowa, replacing Joseph after Wisconsin struggled to generate offense. The freshman completed eight of 13 passes for 93 yards and an interception. Joseph finished five of 14 for 90 yards.
The performance added to questions about Wisconsin’s passing game. Joseph has thrown for fewer than 100 yards in three consecutive games and has completed 55.6% of his passes this season, totaling 1,346 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Coach Luke Fickell initially described Hopkins’ appearance against Iowa as a chance to get the freshman on the field rather than an announcement of a permanent change.
“I wish we’d given him more opportunities earlier in the season,” Fickell said.
Now Hopkins is expected to get an opportunity to lead the offense from the opening possession.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback arrived at Wisconsin from California’s Mater Dei High School. Saturday would give him his first chance to show how he handles a full game as the starter after spending the opening portion of the season behind Joseph.
...
Joseph has delivered important moments for Wisconsin, including a late touchdown pass that helped beat Penn State earlier this season. His expected absence comes as the Badgers try to regain that offensive effectiveness following the Iowa loss.
Wisconsin enters Saturday at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, while Rutgers is 2-6 and 1-4. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a 28-21 loss to Michigan and have allowed more than 25 points in each of their six defeats.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium on Big Ten Network.
A seventh consecutive home victory would secure Wisconsin’s sixth win.
Hopkins’ expected debut gives the Badgers a chance to reach that milestone while learning whether their youngest quarterback can provide the offensive spark they lacked at Iowa.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines