Edwards keeps on leading the way
Linebacker paces defense in opener
MADISON – T.J. Edwards’ first game of the 2017 season resembled the final game of the 2016 season.
And that is good for Wisconsin’s defense.
“Coach told us that leaders lead,” UW safety D’Cota Dixon said. “He is a captain for a reason.”
Edwards’ stat line in UW’s opener Friday night against Utah State: seven tackles, tied for the team lead, a team-high two passes broken up and a critical interception.
Edwards’ final line in the 2017 Cotton Bowl: a teamhigh 10 tackles, a forced fumble, a critical interception and a defensive MVP trophy.
Business as usual for Edwards, whose efficiency and consistency aren’t overlooked inside the UW locker room.
“He had a great game,” said fellow inside linebacker Chris Orr, who tied Edwards with seven stops. “It is my turn next time. I told him it is my turn.”
Edwards led UW in tackles with 84 as a redshirt freshman in 2015. He also showed his versatility by breaking up four passes, which tied Jack Cichy for the high mark among the linebackers.
Edwards led UW in tackles with 89 tackles as a redshirt sophomore last season. He also intercepted three passes, the No. 3 mark on the team and best among the linebackers.
The 6-foot-1, 244-pound Edwards, who played quarterback in high school, has a feel for being around the ball, and unlike some linebackers has the hands to turn an errant throw into a turnover.
UW held a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl when Western Michigan took over at its 3 after a punt.
Edwards dropped into coverage on first down, followed the eyes of quarter-
back Zach Terrell and made a leaping interception at the 12 on a throw over the middle. If not for being bowled over by teammate Leon Jacobs, Edwards might have turned the pick into six points.
UW scored three plays later, on an 8-yard pass from Alex Hornibrook to Troy Fumagalli to help secure the victory.
On Friday against Utah State, UW drove 75 yards for a touchdown to pull within 10-7 late in the first half.
The Aggies got the ball back with 1 minute, 8 seconds remaining and passed on first down. Big mistake. Quarterback Kent Myers found tight end Carson Terrell open in the middle, between Edwards and Orr.
Terrell couldn’t secure the catch, however. The ball ricocheted off the hands of Terrell and into the arms of Edwards at the 25. Edwards gained 7 yards to set UW up for a game-tying field goal.
“That was huge,” Dixon said. “It was the hammer and the nail. It was exactly what you need.”
The interception was an obvious play. But Edwards also made two key plays on the Aggies’ previous series, which ended with a punt and led to UW’s first score.
Utah State had the ball at its 39, when Myers hit tight end Damion Hobbs in the left flat. The Aggies appeared to be setting up a screen to the right, but Hobbs came across the formation, from right to left, behind the line of scrimmage.
Edwards wasn’t fooled by misdirection. He stayed home and drilled Hobbs for a 1-yard loss.
“Watching film this week in getting ready for this game,” ESPN analyst Dusty Dvoracek said during the telecast, “that’s what T.J. Edwards does.”
Edwards followed that play with another key stop on third and 11.
Myers appeared to run a draw but Edwards dropped him in the open field after a 5-yard gain, forcing a punt. Again, business as usual. “I thought guys showed up and made some plays,” UW coach Paul Chryst said of the defense. “And there's a high standard. The bar's been set high and a lot of those players have played on those defenses.
“But it’s a new group. And that’s why I thought it was good to see T.J. step up and make those plays.”