Quarterback
After a solid season that saw Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan throw for 2,727 yards, 18 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, the Badgers will have to start their 2020 campaign without their General behind center.
On October 3, during one of Wisconsin’s training camp practices, Coan injured his right foot. Just three days later, he had surgery on that foot and now will miss some time. This means Illinois is going up against the Badgers’ backup from 2019, Graham Mertz.
Mertz didn’t see a lot of action last season. He only threw for 73 yards and failed to get the ball in the end zone or turn the ball over. There isn’t much on him, so this might be a disadvantage for the Orange and Blue entering the game on Friday.
Illinois needs to keep an eye on this kid. Mertz was one of the best quarterbacks coming out of the class of 2019. 247Sports had him rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 65 player in the nation that year. So, despite Wisconsin going to their backup this weekend, it might not be a talent downgrade for the Badgers.
I would imagine, since Mertz redshirted last season and doesn’t have a ton of experience, Wisconsin won’t open up the full playbook just yet. I would keep an eye out for quick short to intermediate passes that will prevent Illinois from getting pressure on the young passer. Illini linebackers will be extremely important.