While the Wisconsin Badgers battled the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on the field, the commentary from the booth provided an interesting note.
Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke has had a tumultuous journey to the starting role that has seen two starters suffered serious injuries. Locke has been forced into playing twice in his career now, and the first go around certainly did not go his way. Wisconsin finished 7-6 last season and started previously injured quarterback Tanner Mordecai once he was eligible to return.
This season, incoming transfer Tyler Van Dyke was injured just a handful of snaps into the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. While the Crimson Tide walked away with the win, Van Dyke look promising before suffered a season-ending injury to his knee. Locke was again trusted with the starting role, and has recorded 664-yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions this season.
That deep pass was a little too ambitious. QB Braedyn Locke threw into coverage, and he was intercepted. OC Phil Longo not happy with Locke on the sideline afterward.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) October 12, 2024
Locke began the game against Rutgers with an unfortunate interception, which was followed by an intriguing quote from the broadcast team. The Big Ten Conference announcers stated that Locke is “one of the top three smartest quarterbacks Phil Longo has worked with.”
Wisconsin is never losing again !!!!!!!!!!
Braedyn Locke looks great, #badgers 7-0
— Ryan Harings (@RyanAndBucky) October 12, 2024
Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator Phil Longo has previously coached Drake Maye, Sam Howell, Tanner Mordecai, and now Tyler Van Dyke. To include Locke into that company in terms of football intelligence is quite a compliment, considering Maye, Howell, and Mordecai have all signed NFL deals.
Is the Wisconsin Badgers Starter Braedyn Locke an Intelligent Quarterback?
While the timing of the comment was unfortunate given his interception, Locke has proven he is a capable quarterback.
The Wisconsin Badgers staff has had an underlying issue the past few seasons in the receiving room involving drops and incorrect routes being run. Locke struggled last season, and at times looked like he was not capable of playing at a high level, but has shown plenty of flashes as well. In particular, Locke looked solid against a tough USC Trojans defense and also found success against the Crimson Tide during the blowout loss.
Last time out, Locke recorded 359-yards passing along with three touchdowns against the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has an awful offense which has in turn affected the defense by keeping them out on the field consistently. However, the defense is talented and has potential future NFL players such as safety Dillon Thieneman.
While Locke threw two interceptions, the quarterback looked poised and was largely the reason why Wisconsin ran through Purdue. Locke has the potential to be a great quarterback for Wisconsin, and it comes down to his intelligence moving forward.
The quarterback can throw for over 350-yards and three touchdowns, but still must limit the big turnovers that could prove to be costly.
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