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As we discussed in this afternoon's Week 7 depth chart post, Gary Andersen had a quite a few topics facing him for his weekly Monday press conference. Now that his turn at the mic has come and gone, it's safe to say that was indeed correct.
Here's a rundown of every topic Andersen hit on, via tweets from @B5Q and beat reporters in Madison. We'll follow with more in-depth stories later Monday and throughout the week.
Back to a two-quarterback system
Yes, Wisconsin's first-team quarterback slot on the depth chart is occupied by "Tanner McEvoy or Joel Stave." That puts the Badgers right back where they were before the Aug. 30 opener vs. LSU, with everyone wondering how in the world both quarterbacks would get onto the field. Of course, I recall a bit more optimism permeating those discussions...
Monday, Andersen asserted that, at this point, UW's offense will benefit most from having both McEvoy and Stave contribute. He also said Wisconsin's overall offense won't change much with either QB on the field, which is kinda weird. He also said that McEvoy and Stave could both take the field together, presumably with Stave under center and McEvoy split out wide as a receiving option. Of course, you'll remember McEvoy came to Wisconsin as a highly touted dual-threat receiver before switching to receiver after he was beat out at quarterback by Stave and Curt Phillips, and then to wide receiver, and then to safety (where he was actually pretty good) and then back to quarterback this offseason.
Buckle up, friends. Wisconsin's offense won't be getting "boring" anytime soon. It might also not be getting much better anytime soon.
Andersen: We threw 4 picks, but people need to understand this is an offense, not an individual game.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) October 6, 2014
Andersen running through those four INTs, saying blame goes all around, not just on QB. He's right, between NU's QB pressure, DB coverage.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
GA on 2 QBs: "Andy and I have discussed it. We're going to play them both. They could possibly be on the field at the same time" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 6, 2014
GA: "I'm a firm believer that where our offense is as a whole, we're best served to play both QBs."
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) October 6, 2014
Andersen says #Badgers' overall offense doesn't change whether Stave or McEvoy is on the field. Maybe that's the problem?
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
Doesn't sound like Andersen regrets originally going with McEvoy to begin with. Said a lot went into it.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 6, 2014
GA: "We're not going to all of a sudden come out and be a pistol team one play and our normal offense another."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014
Do it, coach!
Andersen: Badgers plan to do more to utilize McEvoy's running ability, but said offense won't change too much regardless of which QB is in.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) October 6, 2014
McEvoy could play receiver again
"There's a possibility, let me put it that way," that Tanner McEvoy could play WR. That's Tanner McEvoy, QB-turned-WR-turned-S-QB-turned-WR
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
GA on McEvoy playing WR: "There's a learning curve, again, but it's a possibility. I'll put it that way." #Badgers
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014
The young QBs
Andersen gets question about Bart Houston, says he's a good QB, but others just beat him out. Wouldn't expect GA to say anything else.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
GA on Bart Houston: "Bart's a good QB ... As a coaching staff we sat down and said (TM & JS) were the guys we're going to go with."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014
Andersen says QB D.J. Gillins will definitely redshirt this year. #Badgers
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
Sorry, Houston/Gillins fanboys/girls. Barring injury, Houston was never going to see the field this season. Gillins was also assuredly bound to the sideline.
Rest of the offense
Andersen said he believes the #Badgers' young wide receivers are getting closed to being involved. That would be Rushing, Jamerson, Sanders.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
GA on WRs: "You've got to show it in practice to get on the field, and that's improving" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 6, 2014
GA on WRs: "These kids should know the offense to where they can go out there and be involved."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014
YES, PLEASE
GA on passes for RBs: "It's part of our offense, it's there. The involvement of the backs in the throw game will open things up" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 6, 2014
GA says the checkdowns routes to RBs are good, but says the involvement of the RBs in the throw game will open things up.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014
Help us, Melvin Gordon. You're our only hope.
GA on Gordon's carries: "Melvin has a nice workload right now and I think he's handling it well" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 6, 2014
Andersen on Gordon: Right now, there is no one better.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 6, 2014
GA on Melvin: "After the game, the first thing he does is walk up and say sorry coach. Are you kidding me? That's a class individual."
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) October 6, 2014
Injury update
Andersen confirms redshirt for RB Taiwan Deal. Also, Devin Gaulden is questionable, LB Marcus Trotter and CB Derrick Tindal expected back.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) October 6, 2014
Optimism!(?)
GA: "Our kids were good this morning (in team meeting). We're going to be fine. I believe in this crew" #Badgers
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) October 6, 2014
GA: "I believe we're going to be fine ... We'll have a message of positiveness. We have to move on to have a chance to beat Illinois."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 6, 2014