Luke Fickell points out glaring difference between Tanner Mordecai and Braedyn Locke

Going from a senior to a freshman is never easy when it comes to replacing a QB

Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) runs to the locker room during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Going from a senior to a freshman is never easy when it comes to replacing a QB

The Wisconsin Badgers have found themselves in a difficult situation as an injury to starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai has caused them to adjust their game plan. Mordecai suffered a broken hand during the Badgers showdown with Iowa forcing him to undergo surgery. The outcome? Redshirt freshman Braedyn Locke has been thrust into the spotlight as the Badgers' new starting quarterback. On Monday, Badgers head coach Luke Fickell spoke about a glaring difference between Mordecai and Locke.

Wisconsin Badgers' Head Coach Luke Fickell Takes Accountability for Loss to Iowa

Breakdown of the Quarterback Shuffle

Tanner Mordecai, a sixth-year transfer from SMU, brought a great deal of experience to the Badgers. That experience made him a promising asset to Wisconsin, and his untimely injury has left us all wondering when he might return.

Enter Braedyn Locke, a redshirt freshman who transferred from Mississippi State. With only a couple of college appearances under his belt, both this year, Locke's experience pales in comparison to Mordecai's.

Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) passes the ball against Iowa on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Iowa won the game, 12-6 :: © Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fickell Points Out Glaring Difference

On Monday, Luke Fickell pointed out the glaring difference between Mordecai and Locke.

"I think the biggest difference is just the experience," Fickell said. "And that was the beautiful thing about Tanner Mordecai is his ability to come in here, not just what's his experience of playing, but his experience of being through so many ups and downs. ... Braedyn just doesn't have those experiences, so that makes it more difficult in some ways for him. But I'd be honest with you, he's got a great head on shoulders."

Why it Matters

As the Badgers prepare to take on Illinois, Locke is poised to make his first start. But there's no time for easing into the role—as the Badgers' following opponent, Ohio State, is one of the top teams in the nation. How Locke adapts to his newfound leadership role will be the defining storyline of the season. If Wisconsin wants any shot at winning the Big Ten West, Locke will have to forget that he is a freshman and play like a senior for the remainder of the season. Or, at least until Tanner Mordecai returns... if he does.

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers by following us on Facebook: allbadgers247

Don't forget to join our Facebook community!