Wisconsin Turns to Freshman Ryan Hopkins Amid Offensive Struggles
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The Badgers will start true freshman Ryan Hopkins against Rutgers as starter Colton Joseph is sidelined.
Wisconsin football will start true freshman Ryan Hopkins on Saturday in a matchup against Rutgers, according to reporting from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. The change occurs while starter Colton Joseph is reportedly managing an injury.
While Joseph is expected to dress and remain available on the bench, Sports Illustrated reports that the change follows a period of significant offensive struggle. In a 30-0 loss to Iowa on October 31, Joseph failed to reach 100 passing yards before being replaced in the fourth quarter by Hopkins, who completed 8-of-13 passes for 93 yards and one interception.
Sports Illustrated notes that while the team cites an injury, Joseph had not appeared on the injury report throughout the week. The publication describes the move as a shift in direction, citing Joseph's struggles against top-tier defenses. The change arrives with four games remaining in the season, despite head coach Luke Fickell's efforts earlier in the week to deny the existence of a quarterback controversy.
Wisconsin faces a Rutgers defense that Sports Illustrated ranks as the 123rd-ranked defense and 90th-ranked passing defense in the country. Following the Rutgers game, the Badgers are scheduled to play Maryland and Purdue before concluding their season against Minnesota.