Nebraska Football: With Coan injury, Huskers shouldn’t overlook Badgers

The Badgers still should be a tough opponent for Nebraska football.

By now, I’m sure many of you have read the news about Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan. He will be out indefinitely after injuring his foot at practice on Sunday. This could be a big break for Nebraska football, but I still would recommend to not take Wisconsin lightly.

Graham Mertz is second in line for the Badgers at quarterback. He actually appeared in two games as a backup last year. He went nine-of-10 for 73 yards. Although his collegiate resume may not be impressive,  his high school resume is. He was a four-star recruit as rated by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports.

More from Husker Corner

• Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
• Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
• Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
• Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
• Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims

As a senior at Blue Valley North high school, Mertz recorded 3,886 passing yards and 51 touchdowns. He was an all-state player as a junior and a senior as well as a first-team All-Eastern Kansas league selection as a junior and a senior. Put it simply, this kid has talent.

Yes, I know Wisconsin is more known for their running game. The running backs that the school has managed to produce over the past couple of years have been extremely talented. However, it does not seem like this backup for Wisconsin is a slouch. As a matter of fact, he seems pretty good.

With Coan’s injury, we could see Mertz take the reins when Nebraska faces Wisconsin on Halloween. My advice to all Nebraska football fans is to not take Wisconsin lightly. They will still have a solid running game, and he seems like a player who can get the job done. I know he’s no Coan. He’s not nearly as talented, at least not yet. However he still should give Nebraska football something to think about.

With the way that Nebraska’s defense played last year, they are going to have their work cut out for them this year. They are still going to be held to a high standard and they are still going to have to perform at a top level if they want to beat Wisconsin. Wisconsin will be ready to play, now it’s all about whether Nebraska will be ready to play.