With a difficult showing against the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide plagued with mistakes, the Wisconsin football program might need changes.
Coach Luke Fickell was hired by the program nearly two years ago now and is entering his second full season with the Badgers during 2024. Fickell was hired by the Wisconsin program with hopes of setting new standards in regards to success, competitiveness, and what is going to be accepted on the football field. However, it has not been sunshine and rainbows for Fickell as the Wisconsin football team still cannot hang with the heavy hitters of the college football landscape.
Wisconsin Football Team, Coach Luke Fickell Struggle to Keep Alabama Clash Competitive
The Wisconsin football team has fallen victim to their first loss of the season as the Alabama Crimson Tide have visited Madison and stomped the Badgers. Wisconsin was hoping they could keep a competitive game against the Crimson Tide, but once quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was injured, the flood gates opened. The Badgers made mistakes against the Crimson Tide which truly came back to bite them.
Wisconsin had four fumbles and a muffed punt by the punter which are fundamental mistakes that a team simply cannot make at a high-level. The Badgers did not stand a chance towards defeating the Crimson Tide, but entered the game expecting to keep it close. Wisconsin was not able to achieve that goal as they game Alabama a short field multiple times during the game.
Giving Alabama any sort of advantage is a mistake as they capitalize with touchdowns and precision execution of their plays. Wisconsin was truly a touch slow against the Crimson Tide as everything they managed to perform on the field resulted in the opposite intention. The Badgers will not only have to go back to the drawing board after the loss, but also must consider altering their play calling or even making a potential staff change to bring some sort of life to the team.
While a mid-season staff change seems incredibly unlikely, the Badgers could consider changing something up at the end of the season.
Does the Wisconsin Badgers Football Program Need Another Staff Change?
After coach Luke Fickell and his staff were hired by the Wisconsin football program, it was thought that they would be here for good. However, the real question is how much will the program endure before they decide to cut a staff member, or even the entire staff, loose? The answer may not be found until Wisconsin finishes the season and figures out where they land following the final regular season game.
If Fickell and company have another flop this season and cannot secure a bowl win at the very least, the coach may enter the 2025 season on the hot seat. Even if Wisconsin were to endure a complete disaster of a year this year, it does not seem like the school would be willing to let Fickell go just yet. Fickell multiple seasons to dig Cincinnati out of the dirt and achieve what he did with the program.
However, Fickell was also given a much better talent base to begin with at Wisconsin, and still struggled to truly produce anything on the field last season. The blame should not solely be placed on Fickell either, as offensive coordinator Phil Longo has also struggled. The offense has gone through plenty of freak injuries this season and last, but still cannot find any consistency.
The Wisconsin football program will likely enter the 2025 season with the same staff, unless the offense truly flops.
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