In Fickell We Trust: Unpacking the Coach's Latest Comments on Wisconsin's Big Ten Journey
A Solid Win Over Buffalo, but a Long Road Ahead
While the Badgers' recent win over Buffalo raised the spirit of Wisconsin fans, it didn't lead to full-throated approval from Coach Luke Fickell. Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen collectively ran for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. These are numbers that should make any offensive coordinator grin, and Phil Longo was undoubtedly pleased. Yet, Fickell was clear about the need for an all-rounded team improvement. On Monday Fickell spoke at his weekly media conference.
“I think after the game, I probably wasn't as fired up as maybe I needed to be because winning is not easy, and ultimately that's what it comes down to," he explained. "But deep down inside, I just felt like we were sloppy. And I think that's where, to me, it's hard to be really, really excited when you just don't play the sound way in some things that we had put a great emphasis on."
Third Down Troubles and Fourth Down Fumbles
Wisconsin's defense stymied Buffalo, allowing just 2 of 15 conversions on third down, which is commendable. But the defense, notably adjusting after the exit of key players Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig, was less convincing on fourth downs.
“We were good defensively on third downs, maybe not as well as the stats look," Fickell said. “I think there was a few of those third-and-longs that they got into situations where they could go for them on fourth down. But if you really look at it, I think that's the difference in the ballgame. "
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This raises concerns, particularly as they brace for Washington State's faster-paced offense in their upcoming matchup.
“I think they were 2 of 15 on third (down), and we had done exceptionally well on fourth down. So there's a lot of really good things to build upon, and as we go into this week, we're going to definitely build upon those things.”
The Cornerback Quandary: Who’s Stepping Up?
With a narrow cornerback roster (featuring Ricardo Hallman, Jason Maitre, Alexander Smith, and Nyzier Fourqurean), and the NCAA rejecting Wisconsin's waiver application for Air Force transfer Mike Mack II, the team has its work cut out as they delve deeper into Big Ten play.
Fickell confirmed the next star to rise up is Jonas Duclona. And he's not a player the Badgers are looking to delay utilizing; he's expected to be a part of the special teams immediately.
“Jonas is definitely right now the next guy. Wish we would have played him, and he’s definitely going to play this year. I mean, he’s a guy we gotta get on special teams now cause he’s a guy we’re not trying to save for four games. "
His work during the training camp has given the coaching staff enough confidence to consider him a key asset in the Big Ten season ahead.
“He’s a guy that’s proven it all through camp,” Fickell explained. “In spring ball, he took all the two reps; I think all through fall camp, he took the majority of, if not all the two reps as well…we’ve got confidence in him; I just think that based on the situation, he didn’t get an opportunity to get in last week.”
Next Steps: Preparing for Washington State
Despite the NCAA roadblock and a narrow cornerback depth chart, Wisconsin Football seems primed to tackle their challenges head-on. As the Badgers prepare for the upcoming Washington State game, Fickell's eyes are set on testing the depth and versatility of his players. The Cougars have been listed as one of the more formidable challenges that the Badgers will face, particularly as they grapple with filling the depth chart.
Navigating a formidable Big Ten schedule will demand the full span of Wisconsin's roster and strategy refinement. Despite these challenges, the emergence of talents like Jonas Duclona offers a glimmer of hope. Wisconsin seems geared up to tackle these challenges head-on, making the remainder of their season a compelling story of cautious optimism.
Closing Thoughts
With the tough Big Ten match-ups on the horizon, the challenges for Fickell and his Wisconsin team are just beginning. The Badgers are at a pivotal point where wins alone don't reflect the totality of the team's performance or potential. They'll need more than just an explosive offense to make a meaningful run in the Big Ten. The 38-17 win over Buffalo was a good start, but Fickell knows it’s just that—a start. And if his recent comments are anything to go by, the coach is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for what lies ahead.
