It's a Cold, Cold Quarterback World in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Quarterback, redshirt freshman Graham Mertz, received his second positive COVID-19 test over the weekend, confirming that he has the disease. Mertz started in Friday's win vs. Illinois in the BIG 10's opening weekend and popped off in the passing game, throwing 20 of 21 for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

His game was so eye-catching, he earned the title of "Quarterback of the Future" from the town of Madison, Wisconsin. This performance allowed the people of Wisconsin to take a sigh of relief in terms of the quarterback position; there were preseason worries after starting quarterback, Jack Coan, underwent surgery for a foot injury. 

Unfortunately for our friends in the Midwest, there sigh was a little premature.

BIG 10 COVID policy states that any positive tests require the individual to quarantine for at least 21 days, so there go the first 2 quarterback options for Wisconsin for a few weeks. Oh, and their 3rd-string quarterback has tested positive for COVID, as well. If a second test is confirmed positive, the state of Wisconsin will be resting on the shoulders of 4th-string, redshirt junior Danny Vanden Boom.

With little-to-no in-game experience for Vanden Boom, he is going to be dropped straight into the BIG 10 gauntlet. While he doesn't have to worry about an Ohio State or Michigan matchup, he might have to face a 3-week stretch of Nebraska, Purdue, and No. 13. Michigan State (assuming the games will be played given no further spread of COVID through the individual BIG 10 teams). 

Life comes at you fast, especially if you are a quarterback for the University of Wisconsin.