Despite being a three-year starter and 2010 All-Big Ten honorable mention, Wisconsin kicker Philip Welch is fighting for his job as a pair of youngsters are also getting a look at the placekicking and kick off duties. "Phil has obviously done it, he's been successful at it," coach Bret Bielema said. "I think Kyle French and Alec Lerner are hitting the ball extremely well."
This could be a situation where coach Bieliema wants to give his young kickers some reps or is trying to send a message to Welch -- what message that is I don't know. It would certainly seem odd to make a switch now, especially since Welch has connected on 77 percent of his field goals during a three-year span. However, this is not welcome news for fantasy owners and needs to be watched closely.