Braedyn Locke says he wants to put Wisconsin football on his back

Braedyn Locke Stepping Up: Can the New QB Carry Wisconsin to a Much-Needed Win?

Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports / © Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Tanner Mordecai is out with a broken hand but Braedyn Locke is ready to roll

When the Wisconsin Badgers take the field this coming Saturday against Illinois, they will do so with a new starting quarterback. Last week, during a tough 15-6 home loss to Iowa, the Badgers lost QB Tanner Mordecai to a broken hand. With Mordecai being out indefinitely after having surgery, it will be the Braedyn Locke show. Locke is not only ready to step in for Mordecai, but he wants to put Wisconsin football on his back.

Dealing With the Pressure

Not only will Locke be making his first start since he was in high school on Saturday, but he will have to do so on the road in the Big Ten. While speaking to reporters, he talked about the pressure of being QB 1.

“I would say there’s definitely a little bit different level of pressure, but at the same time level of comfort because like you said, you have all week to prepare,” Locke said.

“You know the situation that you’re going to be thrust into, what’s going to be asked of you to where last week was kind of on the fly, but to your point, every single week you want to prepare like you’re the starter. You want to know what’s going on, be involved in the game plan.”

Wisconsin vs. Illinois Point Spread: Badgers Open As Slight Favorite

Locke Wants to Put the Badgers on His Back

Locke added that though he wants to put his team on his back, he also understands that priority No. 1 is to do his job.

“I think, yes, there is pressure, and yes, I want to win, and yes, I want to play well, and I want to put these guys on my back and take charge of this thing. But at the same time, I just got to focus on doing my job, play in and play out, and getting the ball needs of it,” Locke said.

Bottom Line: A Must-Win Game

With their loss to Iowa this past Saturday, Wisconsin has put themselves in a tough position. With a very difficult matchup coming up next week against Ohio State, the Badgers really cannot afford any other losses for the remainder of the season if they want a shot at winning the Big Ten West. If Wisconsin can defeat Illinois on Saturday, their hopes will still be alive.

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