:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68010537/usa_today_13861798.0.jpg)
After yet another interruption to the season the Wisconsin Badgers turn the page to prep for the Indiana Hooisers in one of their last two contests for the regular season. Of course the cancellation to the Axe game is very disappointing, but coach Chryst did not seem to dwell on it too long as he sounded thankful to get some time with the players as they prep for Indiana this week.
"Excited to get with the guys last week, excited to start prep for Indiana this week" - Chryst, on the last few days of prep for the Badgers
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 30, 2020
To start the presser coach Chryst was asked his thoughts about the decision by cornerback Rachad Wildgoose who announced he was declaring for the NFL draft last week. According to Chryst it sounds like this decision was something Wildgoose had considered before the season, and after his injury he felt the timing was right to take that next step to the NFL.
"You want them to try to have as much information as possible... you try to listen, each kid makes a decision for different reasons. You try to be a resource." - Chryst, discussing the NFL Draft announcement by Rachad Wildgoose
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 30, 2020
After that the discussion moved to the return of wideouts Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis III. Last week it sounded like Pryor would return for Minnesota and Davis was questionable at best. This week it sounds pretty much the same as Chryst expects Pryor to be back, but will have to see how Davis progresses this week. Hopefully he can return as the Badgers sorely missed both players in their last game against Northwestern.
"I do believe we'll have KP, Danny we'll find out as the week progresses." - Chryst on the possible return of Pryor and Davis this week.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 30, 2020
After that discussion the talk focused on Indiana, a team that looks to be in contention for the Big Ten East division title. Unfortunately for the Hooisers it appears they have lost starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the season due to an ACL injury. Redshirt sophomore Jack Tuttle will likely be the starter on Saturday. He joined the Hooisers this season after transferring in from the University of Utah.
The #Badgers and Jack Tuttle are more familiar which each other than Paul Chryst let on. Tuttle made a couple of visits to Madison before being offered by Wisconsin back in 2016. Tuttle eventually singed with Utah as a four-star QB in 2018 before transferring to Indiana. pic.twitter.com/KOlBig8XMW
— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) November 30, 2020
No matter who is on the field the Badgers will be excited to play. This season has certainly been a struggle for the conference but the Badgers are trying to control what they can control.
"You try to do your best... when you don't have as much film it makes it more challenging. We certainly know the possibility so we need to do the best in our preparation." -Chryst, on the likelihood of facing quarterback Jack Tuttle after the injury to Michael Penix Jr.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 30, 2020
As it stands right now the season looks like a wash for the conference but it can be a valuable experience as Wisconsin prepares for the future. I know as fans things have been a little disappointing, but it’s nice to have Wisconsin football in some sort of capacity.