The Wisconsin offensive line will be down at least one key member, according to the final injury report released to reporters on Thursday.
Starting left guard Jon Dietzen (right leg) was downgraded from questionable to out for Saturday’s game at BYU (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC).
Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph mentioned on Tuesday that Dietzen did not practice that day, though right guard Beau Benzschawel (right leg)—still listed as questionable in Thursday’s report—did receive reps.
Head coach Paul Chryst then mentioned during Thursday’s meeting with reporters that Benzschawel, who has played in 24 games (all starts), did practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
If one or both Dietzen and Benzschawel cannot go, Wisconsin could rely upon the likes of redshirt junior Micah Kapoi and/or redshirt sophomore Jason Erdmann.
“If that were the case, I think ‘Erds’ had a good camp and certainly been in the system now,’ Chryst said about Erdmann. “He’s got some natural qualities that are good for him. I think his strength level is good, I think he’s playing—he’s like a lot of the younger kids that you start to see it click for him and come on, so I think we would have confidence in ‘Erds’ should he have the opportunity to play.”
Wisconsin’s rushing attack has come out strong the first two games of the 2017 season, averaging 295.5 yards per game with seven rushing touchdowns already. BYU’s opponents are allowing 166 yards per game but only on 3.9 yards per attempt through three games.
Redshirt sophomore running back Bradrick Shaw (right leg) is still listed as questionable, along with Benzschawel and kicker P.J. Rosowski.
Chryst noted Shaw did do more this week compared to last week before UW’s 31–14 win against Florida Atlantic, while noting he would never take away snaps from someone who is ready because of the bye week.
No Jon Dietzen this week. Beau Benzschawel questionable. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/uIFVagM4K6
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 14, 2017
D’Cota Dixon gets back a year
It took a while, but strong safety D’Cota Dixon finally gained back a year of eligibility.
On Tuesday, it was reported first by the Wisconsin State Journal’s Jason Galloway that Dixon was officially granted a medical hardship waiver, making him a redshirt junior for the 2017 season. B5Q confirmed with a UW official the news of the medical hardship waiver came through late last week.
Dixon already has recorded 10 tackles in the first two games for Wisconsin, tied for third on the team. Last season, he registered 60 tackles (2.5 for loss), along with four interceptions and pass break-ups a piece for a defense ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories.
The Oak Hill, Fla., native has played in 32 games since coming to Wisconsin in 2014. That freshman season, he played in three contests before suffering a season-ending injury, thus the request for the medical hardship.
Dixon now has this season and 2018 for his remaining eligibility with Wisconsin.