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Wisconsin takes lead vs. Minnesota after backup QB Chase Wolf throws TD pass under pressure
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Wisconsin has taken a 14-10 lead over Wisconsin thanks to a clutch touchdown pass from backup quarterback Chase Wolf.
Starter Graham Mertz was injured on the previous play trying to gain extra yardage.
Here’s the pass from Wolf:
A couple firsts here:
1. @BadgerFootball has its first lead today.
2. Chase Wolf has his first career TD pass. pic.twitter.com/teT3L97Ud6— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 19, 2020
However, even before the injury the Gophers were experimenting with Wolf as the main guy. Mertz was briefly benched on the previous drive after an ineffective start to the third quarter.
Chase Wolf was in for just a couple plays at QB as part of a package before Graham Mertz came back in. The drive ends in another Badgers punt.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) December 19, 2020
Last year’s starting quarterback, Jack Coan, was thought to be available after recovering from an offseason injury. However, its Wolf who gets the nod in the spot.
Mertz was outstanding in Wisconsin’s season-opener vs. Illinois, but hasn’t looked the same since. He tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after throwing five touchdown passes vs. the Illini back in October.
Since then, he’s thrown more interceptions (5) than touchdowns (3) and Wisconsin’s offense has sputtered. The Badgers came into this game with just 20 total points in their last three combined games.
Wisconsin’s other touchdown on the day was a 41-yard run by Garrett Groshek.
Wisconsin holds the all-time series lead in this series, 61-60-8.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.