This is a story to watch as the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) take the field against the Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) in Week 8: Northwestern starting placekicker Jack Olsen is battling an injury and is unlikely to play in Saturday’s game.
Wildcats head coach David Braun clarified Olsen’s injury status when meeting with the media earlier this week:
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“As of right now, we do not expect Jack [Olsen] to play this week,” Braun said. “It looked like it was going to be anywhere from two to four weeks. We’ll continue to monitor that, but do not expect Jack to play this week.”
The Wildcats were also without Olsen during their 37-10 win over Maryland in Week 7. Saturday’s game against Wisconsin still fits into that ‘two-to-four-week’ timetable that Braun noted for Olsen’s unspecified lower-body injury.
Northwestern punter Luke Akers took over the field goal-kicking duties for the Wildcats against Maryland. He had a fantastic performance: 3/3 on field goals (43, 38 and 38 yards, respectively) and 4/4 on extra points.
Those three field goal attempts were the first of Akers’ five-year career as Northwestern’s primary punter.
Luke Akers is the son of 16-year NFL kicker (12 with the Eagles), David Akers.
He is also Northwestern’s punter.
In 21 games with the Cats prior to tonight, Akers NEVER attempted a FG.
Akers just drilled a 43-yarder.
It’s in the genes. pic.twitter.com/r7BrZsO0Bt
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) October 12, 2024
It does run in the family for the now versatile specialist — his father David Akers spent 16 years as an NFL placekicker, 12 of them with the Philadelphia Eagles. David’s storied NFL career included six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro seasons and four All-Pro second-team selections.
Luke Akers’ performance is one to watch as the Badgers and Wildcats meet at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT on Saturday. Most games between the two programs turn into a slugfest where points are at a premium. Akers will likely be called upon to replicate his fantastic debut performance as the team’s replacement kicker.
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