The Wisconsin Badgers officially named redshirt freshman Alex Hornibrook their starting quarterback against Michigan State on their Facebook Live video Wednesday night.
Commentators Matt Lepay and Mike Lucas sat down with Chris Hall to discuss the game plan for Wisconsin’s first Big Ten game this weekend on the road in East Lansing.
“I just think he is ready to play. We’ve seen him enough to know what his strengths are,” Lucas said to Hall in the official Facebook broadcast.
Hornibrook proved he is capable of holding the starting position this past Saturday at Camp Randall when he led a Wisconsin team that was lacking momentum as they trailed Georgia State 10-7 in the second half.
After what both journalists like Lepay and Lucas and players such as wide receiver Robert Wheelwright called a close quarterback competition in spring ball and fall camp, it appeared the quarterback battle would continue this week.
On Sunday night, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Hornibrook would be the starter after his performance on Saturday. Coach Chryst reported during his press conference on Monday that both quarterbacks would be prepared to play on Saturday, and Bart Houston was listed as the starter on the Wisconsin depth chart.
“For us to be as good as we can, we’re going to need both guys,” Chryst said.
On Tuesday after practice, Hornibrook was asked if he would start on Saturday to which he initially responded, “that’s what I’ve heard.” After speaking with media personnel, he repeated the same response that both him and Bart would be needed Saturday.
Hornibrook being officially named the starter does not change much in the team’s scheme against Michigan State on Saturday. The receiving corps said in practice Tuesday that the quarterback adjustments do not affect the intended play calling.
It would not be too unusual for Houston to see time on the field Saturday if need be. Chryst stressed Monday that the team is at an advantage for having two solid quarterbacks that are capable of leading the team.
For Hornibrook, this Saturday’s game could easily solidify a starting position that he could hold not only for this weekend’s game but also potentially for the rest of this season and into the next three as he continues with the program.