Down the Home Stretch

With next Wednesday representing the day when the "quarterback competition" (Coach Bielema's term) is set to end and a winner declared, MJS Badger football beat writer Jeff Potrykus thinks transfer Allen Evridge will emerge as the opening day starter.

When Bielema spoke at the Big Ten Kickoff Meeting two weeks ago in Chicago, he said it was hard to imagine fifth year senior Tyler Donovan not being the starter. However, between then and now the Badgers have had 13 practices and Evridge has shown that he can make big plays while not making unnecessary mistakes.

The concern with Evridge has always been that, while he has superior arm strength and similar running ability to Donovan, he could not be the game manager that John Stocco was the last three years. The prevailing logic was that a team coming off a 12-1 season and widely considered a top 10 preseason team needed a QB that would minimize mistakes.

While both starting QB prospects have made more mistakes than the coaching staff would like, Evridge has shown supreme confidence in his arm and an ability to make big plays in the passing game. Evridge has also gained a greater grasp of offensive coordinator Paul Chryst's offensive scheme.

This fan is hoping that Jeff Potrykus' prediction is a good one. Tyler Donovan played tremendously in a spot start against Iowa last year and has certainly put in the time during his four years to earn the title of starter. However, this season could be a special one and Evridge has shown that he has the athletic talent to make the offense really terrific. Ultimately, the coaching staff has to go with the QB who can put the Badgers in a position to win every game, not the QB who they feel won't lose the game.