Melvin Gordon – Photo: David Stluka
The Wisconsin Badgers can make a major statement tonight when they open the college football season against LSU at NRG Stadium in Houston tonight (8pm).
Redshirt junior Tanner McEvoy is set to make his first start at quarterback for the Badgers. The last time he started a game at quarterback came during his only season at Arizona Western College in the 2012 El Toro Bowl. He started three games for the Badgers last season at safety.
Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen wants a quarterback that is a dual threat, being able to run as well as pass. McEvoy has the running part down, but how will he do throwing the football. The Badgers success tonight may greatly depend on it.
But Wisconsin’s bread and butter is still their running game and they feature an offensive line with plenty of experience. That line will be blocking for Heisman Trophy candidate Melvin Gordon, and Corey Clement, who will share time with Gordon this season.
While the quarterback position is going through some change, the biggest change comes on defense where the Badgers feature a new front seven. That unit will be tested by LSU’s veteran offensive line and talented running backs. LSU hasn’t settled on a quarterback. Freshman Brandon Harris and sophomore Anthony Jennings will both play against the Badgers tonight.
LSU’s lack of experience at quarterback could be the difference for the Badgers, who are trying to pull off the upset. Wisconsin enters the game as a 5 1/2 point underdog.