Wisconsin’s defense took a brutal hit late in the first half against Maryland when senior safety Matt Jung was carted off after a play at the goal line that may have saved a touchdown.
Jung got to the ball and knocked it loose before the end zone, allowing the Badgers to recover. But the play came with a cost.
He came up injured on his right leg, and the reaction from Wisconsin’s sideline told the story before the cart even arrived. Teammates immediately waved trainers over, and Jung was soon down on the field in obvious pain while a training assistant stayed with him.
A group of Badgers gathered nearby on their knees, praying and holding him in thought.
After that, the cart came out, a leg brace was put on, and Jung was driven off. It was a rough scene for Wisconsin, which was already dealing with injuries in the secondary and now may have lost one of its most important defenders.
Jung entered the game with 63 total tackles, a forced fumble and an interception this season, and he’s been a key piece for Luke Fickell and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel. With Carson Van Dinter already banged up and listed as a game-time decision, Wisconsin may have to turn to converted defensive back Cairo Skanes or Matthew Traynor at safety to finish the game.
The timing made it even worse for the Badgers. Maryland’s offense was starting to settle in, and quarterback Cardell Williams was finding success on two drives to close out the first half.
Jung wasn’t the only Wisconsin defender to get hurt. Mason Posa was sent to the medical tent at one point, though he returned on the next series.
Javan Robinson, Wisconsin’s top defensive back, also went down hard on his ankle and needed help getting off the field. Robinson has not returned.
Jung is listed as a fifth-year senior on Wisconsin’s website. He may be out of eligibility, though he has played in only four seasons. A Bethel transfer, Jung grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin, and had long dreamed of playing for the Badgers.
For now, the outlook doesn’t look good. More information should come after the game and later in the week, but Wisconsin appears to be bracing for the possibility that Jung’s season is over.
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