JJ Watt calls out Wisconsin offensive play call vs. Alabama
Despite being without starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin was still leading Alabama 3-0 late in the first quarter. With less than two minutes remaining in the first period, the Badgers faced a fourth-and-1 from the Alabama 39.
Instead of going under center and running, Wisconsin opted to line up in shotgun. Running back Tawee Walker was stuffed, turning the ball back over to Alabama.
It’s fair to say former Badgers star JJ Watt was not a fan of the play call or in particular the formation.
“Do not line up in shotgun on 4th & 1. Ever,” JJ Watt posted on Twitter.
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The play ended up being a big one as Alabama scored four plays later on a 31-yard pass from Jalen Milroe to Ryan Williams.
For years, Wisconsin was a team that lined up and played under center regularly. However, the Badgers haven’t done that nearly as often under second-year offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who came over from North Carolina.
JJ Watt is arguably the best player in Wisconsin history. He starred for the Badgers before being selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Watt was an All-American at Wisconsin before going on to be a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
More on injury to Wisconsin QB Tyler Van Dyke injury
Tyler Van Dyke left Saturday’s game against Alabama on the opening dive. The Wisconsin quarterback appeared to injure his knee on a third-down scramble and immediately headed to the medical tent.
Van Dyke had Wisconsin driving down the field before his departure. He completed all five of his passes for 16 yards, and the scramble with 11 minutes to play was his first rushing attempt.
After going to the tent, Van Dyke quickly headed to the locker room on a cart. Braedyn Locke then took over at quarterback for Wisconsin.
FOX’s Jenny Taft also offered an update, confirming Van Dyke was favoring his right knee. He was also having trouble keeping his balance, and the emotions were clear as he went to the locker room.
“Gus, I have to say, these reports are not easy ones because it was clear that Tyler Van Dyke was in so much pain leaving that tent, having a hard time keeping his balance,” Taft said. “It was that right knee. He’s heading to the locker room for further evaluation and imaging, but Gus, he was pretty beside himself in the moment.”