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Wisconsin releases projected starters for Michigan game, appears to be without multiple key contributors

Ryan Williamson

By Ryan Williamson

Published:

For the first time in three weeks, Wisconsin football fans will get to see their squad on the field on Saturday evening as the Badgers face off in primetime against Michigan.

But as we get closer to kick off, we’re learning more about which Wisconsin players were healthy enough to make the trip to Ann Arbor to play in the Big House. The Badgers put out their projected starters just an hour before kickoff. It appears Wisconsin will be playing a bit shorthanded.

Based on these graphics, the key absences include running back Garett Groshek, defensive lineman Garrett Rand, punter Andy Vujnovich and backup quarterback Chase Wolf.

Groshek is a key piece to the Wisconsin running game. The senior had 13 carries for 70 yards in the season opener against Illinois. Rand, meanwhile, had four tackles and a forced fumble in the Badgers’ blowout win over the Illini.

As for Vujnovich, he wasn’t needed much in Week 1 as Wisconsin just steamrolled Illinois. But at some point, the Badgers will need a punter and throwing a backup punter or kicker into a college game always seems like a recipe for some scary moments.

Lastly, there’s Wolf. He’s the backup to starter Graham Mertz. Wolf would’ve only probably seen playing time if Mertz was injured. But now the margin of error is quite slim for Wisconsin at quarterback. It also appears Wolf is still in COVID protocol.

Ryan Williamson