Badgers expect Davis to bounce back
MADISON – Danny Davis’ 2018 debut went about as expected:
Several solid plays mixed in with a few missed opportunities.
The sophomore wide receiver caught four passes for 40 yards in Wisconsin’s three-point loss to BYU.
But he had two drops, one that was wiped out by a penalty, and struggled at times to beat press coverage near the line of scrimmage.
“I would expect that, like everyone in their first game,” UW offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said. “You’re just coming back. It will be good to get him to his second game and get him rolling. He’ll make a step from there.”
Game 2 for Davis, who was suspended for UW’s first two games, comes at 7:30 p.m. Saturday when the Badgers (2-1) open Big Ten play against host Iowa (3-0).
The BYU game was the first for Davis since the Orange Bowl. He caught five passes for 53 yards and three touchdowns in UW’s 34-24 victory over Miami that night.
“That is a long stretch to not be playing,” UW quarterback Alex Hornibrook said, noting Davis also missed spring ball while recovering from a groin injury. “He looks good and he is ready to go.
“I’ve got a lot of trust in Danny and we’re going to work this week and we’re going to be ready to go this weekend.”
From the infirmary
Although tight end Zander Neuville (right leg) and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (right leg) are questionable and are expected to travel with the team to Iowa, it appears unlikely Van Ginkel will be ready to play.
The senior has been busy rehabbing this week and is wearing a protective wrap on his lower right leg.
Van Ginkel was injured with 7 minutes 5 seconds left in the opening quarter against BYU. His right leg buckled as he tried to plant to make a tackle in the open field. He immediately limped to the sideline and did not return.
Tyler Johnson is expected to replace Van Ginkel.
Neuville was injured while blocking on UW’s second offensive play. Tailback Jonathan Taylor was stopped for no gain and accidentally rolled up the back of Neuville’s right leg.
Neuville, who was engaged with a defender, fell backward and eventually limped to the sideline.
Gaglianone ready for his shot
Senior kicker Rafael Gaglianone, who missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt in the final minute against BYU, didn’t sound like a player wary of being put in another pressure situation.
“I came back this week and worked,” said Gaglianone, who has four gamewinning kicks on his UW résumé.
Gaglianone, who has made 63 of 79 field-goal attempts at UW, explained why he waited in the north end zone after the game to apologize to every teammate.
“I just felt my job was to help the team as much as I could and I didn’t make that opportunity,” he said. “I just felt like I wanted to talk to them and let them know it’s not going to happen again.
“I wanted to have that accountability. I know how much they put on the line. It gave me the opportunity to look at your teammates in the eyes and have that connection.”
Determined, not dejected
Immediately after UW’s loss to BYU, senior safety D’Cota Dixon stressed it was critical the players learned from and were motivated by the disappointment.
“It’s fuel,” he said. “I’ll make sure of that.”
Two days later Dixon was asked about the visceral reaction of some fans on social media.
“The biggest thing is, at the end of the day it is still a game,” he said. “Lives are kept and people are safe. There are a lot of things going on in the world right now that could really put you in a position of turmoil. It’s all right.
“They’ll live. They’ll be all right. I will be fine. I have Jesus Christ. That is what makes me happy at the end of the day. That is my joy.
“And fortunately for the fans and for myself, that will spur me on for this next game. They’ll be OK.”