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Wisconsin’s offensive line drew intense scrutiny after a Week 1 loss to No. 4 Notre Dame, with injuries and inexperience forcing the Badgers into a short-term makeover up front. Coach Fickell offered updates on his linemen and defended the rotation that followed, while the team prepares for softer early opponents to get healthier and regroup.
Right guard Emerson Mandell did not play against Notre Dame, and right tackle Kevin Heywood was listed as questionable but did see the field. That absence prompted a series-long rotation at right guard between Arkansas transfer Blake Cherry and D-II Augustana transfer Stylz Blackmon.
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Mandell’s recovery and near-term outlook
Fickell gave a subdued update on Mandell, suggesting the team expects progress but cannot guarantee immediate availability. “We’ll see what Emreson has, we’ll see if we can get him in some this week, if not, next week. We’re hoping and believing he’s getting closer to that,” the head coach said.
That answer was cautious rather than definitive. The staff had hoped Mandell would be ready after appearing on track during fall camp, but the issue has lingered. For now, it appears Wisconsin may need to cope without its projected starting right guard for at least another game or two.
How Cherry and Blackmon performed under pressure
Neither Cherry nor Blackmon delivered a flawless performance, though their struggles came against one of college football’s toughest defensive fronts. Neither had started at the Power Four level before facing Notre Dame, which complicates a straight evaluation.
Fickell emphasized the positives from the rotation. “It was very promising. Both of those guys rolled in there. Blake ended up with a few more snaps that Stylz, but that was just based on the drives they were in. I thought it was a good plan. They switched every series, for the most part,” he said.
He added that the situation did not overwhelm the newcomers. “It wasn’t too big for (them). I think that’s a really promising thing for us as we continue to grow.”
The Badgers now have two comparatively winnable nonconference games — against FCS Western Illinois in Week 2 and MAC opponent Eastern Michigan in Week 3 — which should allow the offensive line room to develop. With new position coach Eric Mateos overseeing the unit, Wisconsin is hoping the early signs of progress continue despite a banged-up and inexperienced front.
