In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, it’s hard to lead with anything other than Jordan Love’s injury. In the final seconds of the Packers opening game in Brazil on Friday, Love went down that Oates and everyone else thought looked like a horrible leg injury. But LeFleur says he has an MCL sprain, meaning he’s only expected to be out for 3-6 games. LeFleur is even leaving the door open for Love to return this Sunday against the Colts, though that’s almost certainly him being coy to psych out Indianapolis. Still, the team doctors are known to be a touch conservative and er on the side of caution, meaning Love likely won’t be back until he’s ready. 

In the meantime, it’s almost certain that Malik Willis will be in the position of starting quarterback this Sunday. What does that mean? Who knows, at least until the game is over.  While some have said of Willis as “the arm of Jay Cutler and the playing style of Jaylen Hurts,” he hasn’t been in too many big games. With every game in the NFL being a big game, Willis is going to need to step up on Sunday. While it’s not a must win game quite yet, the Packers can’t afford to lose every game that Love needs to sit out.

Outside of Love’s injury (and the slippery field), Oates says he saw a good number of issues on the field. As LeFleur put it, there were a lot of sloppy plays. You know what could have avoided those sloppy plays? Maybe a preseason game or two. 

In college football, the Badgers are heading up against ‘Bama this weekend, their toughest team yet. SEC teams are fast and ‘Bama are no exception. Still, Oates thinks the Badgers have a chance - the game is in Camp Randall and ‘Bama has a new coach. But they have to play physically, both on offense and defense, and make zero mistakes. Because one mistake, especially on defense, and Alabama will take advantage of it and score. Both teams the Badgers have played so far this year should have been well below them. And they cannot afford to play like that again on Saturday. 

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Nate Wegehaupt. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.