Wisconsin football fans criticize Luke Fickell's decisions, playcalling on key fourth down in Badgers' 38-21 loss to USC in Big Ten opener

Wisconsin football fans criticize Luke Fickell’s decisions, playcalling on key fourth down in Badgers’ 38-21 loss to USC in Big Ten opener

Posted by Admin September 29, 2024 Football

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Wisconsin football used to be a program that ran the ball right at opponents with a bruising style.

One yard was no problem with a strong offensive line and powerful running backs year after year.

But the Badgers offense from the past isn’t recognizable and fans continue to notice and be upset about what they are seeing week after week, including some of its most famous alums.

The latest example came in Wisconsin’s 38-21 loss to USC Saturday in the team’s Big Ten opener. While there were a handful of plays that cost the team again in all three phases, one play is really bugging fans.

With the Badgers still ahead 21-17 and driving in the Trojans territory in the third quarter, Wisconsin faced a 4th and 1 from the USC 33-yard line. Instead of kicking a long field goal, the Badgers went for it.

How they were lined up again is baffling fans. For the second straight game while needing barely a yard, the Badgers lined up in shotgun formation. And like the Alabama game, Wisconsin’s offense had no chance.

On Saturday, running back Tawee Walker got the ball from quarterback Braedyn Locke before USC defenders quickly met him. USC took over and nine plays later found the end zone to take the lead and control of the game.

Former Wisconsin Badgers great JJ Watt tweeted his displeasure two weeks ago, saying “Do not line up in shotgun on 4th & 1. Ever.” He retweeted that post today after it happened again.

Social media agreed with Watt and fans continue to wonder why Wisconsin isn’t pounding the ball at defenses, especially one that came into the game with the second-worst rushing defense in the Big Ten.

Luke Fickell gets criticism over Wisconsin football’s loss to USC

There was a lot of fanfare when Luke Fickell was hired as the Wisconsin football coach in late 2022. And then when he brought in offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his Air Raid offense, the thought was that the Badgers’ offense was going to take off like never seen before.

The Badgers, however, struggled to put up points throughout the 2023 season in a disappointing year and that has mostly continued into the 2024 season as Wisconsin has among the worst scoring offenses in the country.

After Wisconsin scored on its first possession on a beautiful 63-yard touchdown pass, things looked optimistic. It also took a 21-10 lead into halftime, though they were aided by three USC turnovers. The Badgers were then shut out in the second half as USC scored 28 unanswered points.

Fans have seen enough.