Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen says both Tanner McEvoy and Joel Stave will play Saturday

In relief of a struggling Tanner McEvoy, Wisconsin junior quarterback Joel Stave saw his first action of the season in the Badgers’ surprising loss to Northwestern over the weekend. Though Stave threw three interceptions, Badgers’ head coach Gary Andersen said Monday that both Stave and McEvoy will play moving forward.

“We’re best served to play both of those quarterbacks to help the offense move down the field,” Andersen said, per BadgerBlitz.com. “Both of them playing will help the functionality of the offense and help them be better quarterbacks.”

The two quarterbacks are listed as co-starters heading into Saturday’s home game with Illinois. The offense has struggled mightily in the passing game this year and against the Wildcats, Stave and McEvoy combined for 138 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions while completing only 12-of-29 passes.

Andersen said the offense wouldn’t change, but he is cognizant of the different skill sets between McEvoy and Stave.

"I don't think you'll see any kind of split personality (on offense)," Andersen said. “Tanner can run our offense and then give us the flavor of some of the option stuff that he's done, which is great. Joel, on the flip side of things, can get the ball down the field like we hope he can. His ability to take the top off of the coverage I believe will be a huge positive."

Stave, a redshirt junior, has started 19 games for Wisconsin in his career – including all 13 games last season. He injured his shoulder in the Capital One Bowl last season, forcing him to miss spring practice. When his health returned, his confidence disappeared. In August, he acknowledged that he was dealing with the “yips” and struggling to make even the simplest throws during practice. In recent weeks, Stave began to feel like himself again and was able to return to the field against Northwestern.

McEvoy, also a redshirt junior who saw time at wide receiver and safety last year, was named the team’s starter coming out of preseason camp and has had an up-and-down season thus far. Through five games, McEvoy has thrown for 629 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.

The loss to Northwestern dropped the Badgers to 3-2 and out of the Top 25.

For more Wisconsin news, visit BadgerBlitz.com.

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