Head Coach Luke Fickell Praises Badgers Fans as "Really Special"

The Badgers' victory over Nebraska had an unsung hero: the fans. Read how Coach Fickell praises their impact in the thrilling game.

Nov 18, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates with wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) after scoring a touchdown during overtime against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers demonstrated remarkable resilience in their exciting 24-17 overtime victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. The game, marked by a slow start for Wisconsin, eventually turned into a showcase of determination and team spirit.

Early Struggle and Comeback

The game's opening quarter saw the Badgers trailing by 14 points, casting doubt on their prospects of victory. However, by halftime, the tide began to turn, with Wisconsin narrowing the gap to 14-10. The third quarter was pivotal, as the Badgers took a 17-14 lead, only for Nebraska to level the score in the fourth quarter. The intense match extended into overtime, where Wisconsin took the win with an additional seven points much to the delight of fans in attendance.

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Coach Fickell's Acknowledgment of Fan Support

Head Coach Luke Fickell, in his weekly media conference, emphasized the crucial role played by the fans, especially the vibrant student section at Camp Randall Stadium. "I think more than anything, I want to say thank you as well. Saturday did not start off the way that we had envisioned." Fickell elaborated, " To be honest with you, had we not been [in] the environment that ... we had on Saturday night, had we not had that student section, the fans, I'm not sure we pull through and play the way we did after that first quarter." This acknowledgment highlights the important role that fan support plays in college sports, providing a vital boost to teams, particularly in challenging moments.

Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fans celebrate a touchdown during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 24-10 :: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Atmosphere at Camp Randall

Fickell also touched upon the unique atmosphere of night games, suggesting that the late start time contributed to creating a charged environment that favored the Badgers. "When your kind of, backs against the wall, you need every little bit of things that you can get. And that environment, that atmosphere, was really, really, really special. Sometimes, you complain about playing late at night because you sit around all day and you're like, oh man we waste the entire day. But there's a reason why you sit around and play those games later at night. And I thought that was a huge advantage for us, our team, our guys, and where we were and what it is that we needed." The energy and excitement of the crowd under the lights proved to be a significant advantage, turning what could have been a disadvantage into a key element of their victory.

"So, thank you to everybody, obviously, that came out, especially to the students and things. It was a much-needed boost for us, especially the way we started that game," Fickell concluded.

Final Thoughts

The Wisconsin Badgers overcame a 14-point deficit to win 24-17 against Nebraska and Head Coach Luke Fickell thinks the fans played a big role in the victory. Fan support is important to boosting morale for the team. The Badgers will hit the road this Saturday November 25 to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Watch the entire media conference below:

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