2013 Rose Bowl: Joel Stave could be ready for the Badgers

Injured Badgers QB Joel Stave could make a return in time for the Rose Bowl. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

Talk about a potential boost for the Big Ten Champions. Wisconsin, who is coming off a 70-31 beat down of Nebraska in the B1G Championship game, is currently prepping for the Badgers’ third straight trip to the Rose Bowl.

[Related: No. 1-ranked Indiana Hoosiers take a hit]

Wisconsin was forced to finish out the last third of the season without starting quarterback Joel Stave, who suffered a broken collarbone against Michigan State on October 27.

Despite the initial reports that Stave was out for the season, the prognosis is now looking much better for the injured QB.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal:

Redshirt freshman quarterback Joel Stave continues to progress in his return from a broken collarbone, taking part on a limited basis during the University of Wisconsin football team’s practice on Sunday.

Stave participated in individual drills and 7-on-7 passing drills, where there was no pass rush. Coaches and players were not available for interviews afterward, but Stave appeared to throw with no discomfort.

During the first Rose Bowl practice on Saturday, Stave threw on the sidelines with trainers. That apparently went well enough that he was cleared to start throwing in practice.

Fifth-year senior Curt Phillips took over for Stave, leading the Badgers to a 2-2 record, while completing 55.4 percent of his passes, compared to Stave’s 4-2 record and 59.3 percent completion percentage.

It’ll be interesting to see Stave’s progression during the downtime of the bowl season, and whether or not the coaching staff will make a switch if Stave completely heals in time.

Even if Stave doesn’t play in the Rose Bowl, the redshirt freshman is the future of the Buckeyes’ program.

Sources: Wisconsin State Journal, ESPN

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