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Illinois Football: Breakdown of the 2020 Wisconsin Badgers offense

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 19, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Danny Davis III (6) runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during a game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Danny Davis III (6) runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during a game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 5, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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