UW football senior wide receiver Paul Hubbard will miss six to eight weeks with a right knee sprain, head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday at his weekly news conference.
“We were fortunate that there was no ACL tear,” Bielema said.
Hubbard, who has two receptions for 33 yards on the season, twisted his right knee on the first play of the second half when he was bent back awkwardly underneath a pile blocking on a running play Saturday night.
Freshman wide receiver Kyle Jefferson is now listed as No. 1 on the depth chart, opposite senior Luke Swan.
Jefferson has yet to catch a pass this season. Marcus Randle El, a junior, is listed as the No. 2 receiver at the position. Bielema noted that sophomore Xavier Harris could also receive some time at that spot.
“We kind of jockeyed ourselves (in camp) so we could get certain things out of each guy,” Bielema said. “I think it will be by committee. But in addition to that, you hope that some guys take advantage of this opportunity and don’t let go of it.”
Offense
Bielema also discussed senior quarterback Tyler Donovan’s tendency to overthrow open receivers at times. According to the second-year coach, Donovan may miss some receivers, but there are times when his receivers are making drops.
“The one thing he’s shown us over time is he can make those throws,” Bielema said. “Obviously there were a few on Saturday that were maybe uncatchable, but on the same account, there were some that were catchable that weren’t caught. They all go down as an incomplete pass. There’s two parts to every piece of the puzzle.”
Bielema said he is pleased with Donovan’s performance and ability to make plays on game days, alluding to Donovan’s 29-yard scramble that put the Badgers ahead with just 1:53 remaining in the game.
Sophomore running back P.J. Hill was named offensive most valuable player for the week after his 30-carry, 147-yard performance Saturday.
Defense
On the other side of the ball, Bielema named defensive tackle Jason Chapman as defensive most valuable player for the week. Chapman’s sack of quarterback Travis Dixon on the first play of UNLV’s final drive helped the Badgers secure the victory. Bielema also praised the play of linebacker Elijah Hodge and defensive end Matt Shaughnessy.
According to Bielema, Shaughnessy left the sideline following the last series on Saturday night to fly home and be with his brother, who had fallen ill in the past week. In approval of NCAA rules, a plane ticket was purchased for the Norwich, Conn., native to fly home and be with his family. Shaughnessy will rejoin the team Wednesday.
“His brother, towards the latter part of the week Thursday and Friday, has really improved,” Bielema said. “With that, we give him our thoughts and prayers with him and his family.”
Calling for a ‘sea of red’
In light of the Badgers’ new red-on-red home uniforms, Bielema has called for fans attending this Saturday’s game against The Citadel to cover Camp Randall Stadium in red.
“I love the red and white … but I’d love to walk into Camp Randall and see a sea of red for everybody in the stands,” Bielema said. “If you can walk into an environment like that, with everybody in one color, it’s kind of an overwhelming thing for everybody to be a part of.”
