The depth chart for the Wisconsin game has been released, and, not surprisingly, there are some major changes on the defensive side of the ball for the Spartans.
On the heels of a tough day in South Bend for Chris L. Rucker, Kendell Davis-Clark has overtaken him as the No. 1 boundary CB. Expect Rucker to see some snaps against Wisconsin, but Davis-Clark is the clear No. 1 heading into Madison. At the other corner, opposite Davis-Clark, Jeremy Ware and Ross Weaver remain listed as co-No. 1’s.
The outside linebackers are being reshuffled, too. Eric Gordon, Greg Jones and Brandon Denson were the No. 1’s at the strong, middle and weak side LB positions last week. This week Gordon slides over to replace Denson on the weak side, while Chris Norman gets the nod on the strong side.
The “or” is ubiquitous on the offensive side of the ball; all evidence to the contrary aside, Keith Nichol remains listed alongside Kirk Cousins as the No. 1 QB, B.J. Cunningham and Mark Dell are an either-or at the X-wideout slot, and Larry Caper and Caulton Ray are listed together as the No. 1 tailback. The chart doesn’t give many clues as to the status of the injuries to center Joel Nitchman or left guard Joel Foreman, either; both players are listed as co-No. 1’s at their positions with John Stipek and Ethan Ruhland, respectively.
The changes are a mixed bag — I’m glad to see a message sent to the defense that guys need to make plays to stay on the field and I’m pleased to see Larry Caper continue to move up the depth chart, but I’m disappointed that Mark Dantonio still refuses to name a clear No. 1 at quarterback. A quarter of the season is in the books and there is a clear separation between the two players’ on-field performance. It’s time to hand Kirk Cousins the reins for a few games and see where he leads this team.