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What Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said at his weekly press conference
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For the first time in two weeks, it looks like Wisconsin will actually be preparing for a game on Saturday.
The Badgers have missed each of their past two games due to a COVID-19 outbreak inside the program. That seems to have slowed enough so that Wisconsin can return to play on Saturday.
With the Badgers slowly getting back to full strength, head coach Paul Chryst held his regularly-scheduled Monday press conference.
Chryst mentions that some unproven players are getting some reps with "the first two groups."
"We'll have some guys get some snaps that three weeks ago weren't in that position."
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020
While Wisconsin sits at just 1-0 with plenty of confidence, its opponent is on the verge of a collapse as Michigan has dropped two consecutive games and talks of head coach Jim Harbaugh exiting Ann Arbor.
But despite that, Chryst has plenty of praise for the Wolverines, especially quarterback Joe Milton.
Chryst is impressed with Michigan QB Joe Milton's arm strength.
"In my opinion he's a really good football player. What makes him dangerous is, there are other guys around him."
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020
Unlike some programs, Wisconsin has been more transparent about the numbers when it comes to COVID cases. The Badgers have routinely released numbers throughout this season, including when the season was on hold because of the outbreak.
"We've been really forthcoming…probably to my chagrin."
Chryst on the team releasing numbers and things relative to their COVID-19 outbreak. He was joking, but this is still a dangerous stance to take, humorously or not.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020
One of the early cases we heard about was with quarterback Graham Mertz. This came just days after an impressive first start against Illinois.
Chryst can't/won't say if Graham Mertz will be the starting QB on Saturday but says that he'll have to see how Mertz practices throughout the week.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020
Just asked Paul Chryst if QB Graham Mertz would be available vs. Michigan: "Graham, the way that his is timing out, he’s starting that process of coming back. His tests are all done. I think he’ll be able to have some practice and we’ll see if it’s enough practice time."
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) November 9, 2020
Chryst himself also contracted the virus but has returned to coaching at the Wisconsin facility.
Chryst says he didn't really have any symptoms, which is great to hear.
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020