Wisconsin football press conference: recapping the news and notes for Week 2

After a 49-0 win over South Florida the Badgers return home 1-0, and ready to turn the page for the home opener against Central Michigan. On Monday morning, Wisconsin held a press conference to announce any happenings surrounding the football team and to kick off the next week. Here’s everything you want to know as we head to Week 2.

Depth Chart and Injuries

Each week injuries and lineup changes happen. It’s just football. Unfortunately for Wisconsin a few starters will be out for week two. Outside linebacker Izayah Green-May, offensive lineman Logan Bruss and safety Scott Nelson will all be out against Central Michigan.

Linebacker Chris Orr is also listed as questionable, but the injury does not appear to be too serious. Orr called the injury a rolled ankle, and he fully expects to be ready by Saturday. However, with Central Michigan coming to town I doubt the coaches will want to rush Orr back with a bye week coming after.

For full insight on the injuries, check out our injury report here. Most of the depth chart changes are due to injuries, but for full scale report check out the depth chart recap to see who will be filling which roles in Week 2.

Chryst Comments

After the announcement of the injuries and depth chart changes, coach Chryst addressed the media about last week’s contest as well as what to expect against Central Michigan. He began excited about being able to open up at home, and expects a great week of preparation from the team. He then talked about two players who emerged as big contributors on Friday. First, Nakia Watson:

“I think Nakia had a good night and good start. The biggest jump has been just his combination of understanding what he’s being asked to do and confidence in himself... I loved his first run...he’s put himself in a position and worked really hard...everyone around him is confident in him.”

He then talked Matt Hennigsen’s performance, who had a huge game and turning point play on a scoop and score against USF. Chryst was asked what he thinks Hennigsen can contribute over the course of the season when he gets his opportunity:

“He is a relentless player... it matters to him. He’s going to take all the possible coaching points. I think that’s what you appreciate about him. He works his tail off in practice, and off the field, all those things. He’s still young and learning to play, its fun when a guy like that gets a chance to make plays.”

After touching on those two, the conversation turned to the play of starting quarterback Jack Coan. Chryst was asked what Coan did well, and where he can improve as the season goes on:

“I thought Jack saw things pretty well. I thought it was purposeful as far as getting the ball out of his hands. Things he can improve on... the sacks, not every one was on him but I thought there was one where he’s gotta own that... I thought he did a good job for the most part... I love the way he played and competed though, as far as his demeanor throughout. Enough good to build on, and certainly enough to clean up.”

When asked about if the deep ball misses to Quintez Cephus were a concern at all, Chryst had this to say:

“The first one with Q, the protection was pretty solid. The second one with Q I think there’s a couple different ways to look at that there... if were going to be better offensively, we’re gonna have to win those... we just gotta keep working on that.”

Lastly, Chryst talked about his depth at the inside linebacker position and if he felt good with what he had up the middle.

“I like the group... it was good for Jack Sanborn to get his first start. Leo was able to get a number of snaps. Mikey Maskalunas was able to get a lot of snaps. That was good to get. That helps I think, reinforce the depth.”

Obviously coach Chryst has the head coach’s mentality of always wanting to get better, but overall the performance was pretty solid Friday night and I believe Chryst recognizes that. Anytime you win 49-0, you’re going to be pretty happy overall. There are definitely things to improve on, but overall the mood was pretty good for the Badgers’ head coach as we head into Week 2.