Wisconsin’s Stave rebounds to guide Badgers

IOWA CITY - Among life's more aggravating moments is when one forgets how to perform a routine task.

For most, that's reprogramming a vehicle radio or recalling your saved passwords for a new computer. For Wisconsin senior quarterback Joel Stave, it was something more important: completing passes early last season.

After losing a battle with Tanner McEvoy for the starting quarterback slot, Stave descended into rare mental lapses. He missed easy passes in practices and warm-ups. It became known as the 'yips.” When Stave didn't play in the 2014 opener against LSU, former Badgers Coach Gary Andersen said he withheld Stave because of a shoulder injury. Later, Andersen admitted that a mental barrier had blocked Stave from completing tasks he repeated thousands of times in his life.

A month into the season, Stave pushed through the mental fog and returned to action. He started Wisconsin's final nine games and led the Badgers to the Big Ten West Division title. Stave completed 110 of 206 passes for 1,350 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But with Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon at running back, Stave provided the Badgers with a complementary piece, and he filled that role.

'I just think last year I was able to learn a lot about myself and about the guys around me,” Stave said. 'I really appreciate the way they stuck with me through it all.

'Down the stretch we were able to put together some pretty good games and win some close games. I think that really helped us moving forward.”

One of those close games was a 26-24 victory at Iowa last November. Stave's numbers were pedestrian - 11 of 14 for 139 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions - but a 12-yard scramble on third-and-8 sealed the Badgers' win. It also left an impression on Iowa's players, especially with his play this season.

'I think he's managing the game a lot better and he's making some pretty good throws,” Iowa safety Jordan Lomax. 'Just his overall composure in the pocket, and you just have to be worried about a guy like that because he also has the ability to escape and get out of the pocket and extend the play and keep the play alive. So it's just going to be important for us to play sound, fundamental defense and everybody just has to do their job.”

Stave has become the team's unquestioned leader this season. When Paul Chryst replaced Andersen, who left for Oregon State, Stave was installed as the starter. The versatile McEvoy shifted to wide receiver and safety, and he's listed as a starter at both positions. Stave so far has thrown for 830 yards, seven scores and two interceptions at a career-best 66.1 completion percentage. He's more comfortable, and it shows for the No. 18 Badgers (3-1).

'It definitely makes a difference when you're not looking over your shoulder and all that,” Stave said. 'I feel very comfortable with the position that I'm in, with the position that this team is in, and I'm really comfortable with the staff that we've got in place right now.

'I give a lot of credit to Coach Chryst. He's been a lot of fun to work with, he's been a lot of fun to play for. I've really enjoyed the season so far.”

l Comments: (319) 339-3169; scott.dochterman@thegazette.com