Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. Exits Week 1 vs. Miami (OH) With Lower Body Injury

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers came away with a Week 1 victory over the Miami (OH) RedHawks in Week 1 of the college football season, 17-0. However, the game didn’t come without a major blow to the team.

Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. suffered a lower-body injury with just under 10 minutes left in the second quarter. After going 6-13 with 68 yards, his night would end, and backup Danny O’Neil would take over.

O’Neil would impress in the second half, finishing the game going 12-19 with 120 passing yards, two total touchdowns and an interception. The sophomore looked comfortable as the game went on and capitalized on his opportunity under center. The defense certainly helped, pitching a shutout and recording three sacks and two interceptions on Miami (OH) QB Dequann Finn.

Head coach Luke Fickell did not have an update on Edwards but had high praise for O’Neil on his mentality, as well as the defense.

“There’s a confidence level that he has,” Fickell said. “But the maturity to be able to be prepared well enough to go out and perform when, let’s be honest, you don’t get as many reps.

“I thought he did a good job. Obviously, don’t get me wrong, there’s going to be some things that we’re going to be harping upon. But you never can tell that from his face on the sidelines. There’s a confidence level.”

Wisconsin’s offense racked up 353 total yards, while Miami (OH) could only muster up 117. The Badgers will await an official injury from Edwards and are set to face Middle Tennessee in Week 2.