5 areas to watch when Wisconsin football hosts Maryland
Key matchups to follow, which recruits are expected in town, and a game prediction when the Badgers host the Terrapins.
The University of Wisconsin football program needs to start its Big Ten schedule off on the right note this weekend.
Wisconsin (2-1) hosts Maryland (3-0) for an 11 a.m. CT kickoff Saturday (NBC) that could immensely help its record and perception as a bye week looms. The Badgers’ 2025 season exponentially ramps up thereafter with a murderer’s row of conference foes in October, and quite honestly, doesn’t really subside during its November slate of games.
Here’s what Badger Observer will be paying attention to the most come Saturday morning inside Camp Randall Stadium.
Will Billy Edwards Jr. and Jake Renfro play?
This is perhaps the one area many eyes will be fixated on Saturday. The two veterans, who have been battling injuries early this season, could help the University of Wisconsin offense.
Edwards’ playing status has been unclear this week dating back to earlier this week. He was not made available to reporters during the team’s normal Tuesday availability for players, and Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell called Edwards “day to day” during his Monday afternoon press conference.
It appears Edwards may be inching towards a return, as according to a Friday report from On3, his status “could be trending in the right direction,” though he still “remains a game-time decision.”
If in fact Edwards plays, it’ll be worth watching just what offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes asks of him to do. Edwards possesses better arm strength than sophomore Danny O’Neil, which can help keep opponents more honest by throwing deep passes and have defenses not stacking the box with players.
O’Neil’s also thrown four interceptions this season, including two rough ones at Alabama last week when driving into Crimson Tide territory. Maryland entered the week leading the nation in interceptions.
Will Edwards be asked to execute any quarterback-designed runs, and will he have the ability to extend plays if needed? O’Neil’s mobility has helped him this season thus far and can provide an advantage for the offense in having the Maryland defense needed to account for what he can do with his legs.