Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell has made headlines recently by firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo following a disappointing loss to Oregon. This bold move reflects Fickell’s determination to turn the team’s fortunes around. However, amidst this shake-up, he has made it clear that his faith in Braedyn Locke as the starting quarterback remains unwavering.
Braedyn Locke continues as starter
Fickell emphasized that there is no doubt that Locke is Wisconsin’s starter while adding that he believes his quarterback will continue to improve. “Yeah, never a doubt,” Luke Fickell said. “I don’t know what else the idea is, right? I mean, we all have to put some pressure on different people. And, again, Braedyn had a lot on his plate. He’s got to continue to grow and get better, and he knows that, and we’re going to give a better opportunity to be able to do that.”
Offensive struggles prompt change
The Badgers’ offense has been a significant concern this season. Currently, they sit at 97th in scoring offense, averaging just 23.9 points per game. Even more troubling is their ranking of 91st in total offense, with an average of 363.1 yards per game. During a recent three-game losing streak, the offense averaged a mere 12 points per game. These struggles undoubtedly played a role in Fickell’s decision to make a change at offensive coordinator.
Braedyn Locke’s journey to starting quarterback
Locke’s journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Badgers has been anything but straightforward. Originally a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022, he was ranked as the 22nd quarterback overall in that recruiting cycle. After starting his college career at Mississippi State, he transferred to Wisconsin. This season, after veteran transfer Tyler Van Dyke went down with an injury, Locke stepped up to the plate. In nine games, he has completed 55.1 percent of his passes for 1,514 yards, throwing nine touchdowns against nine interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 19 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility.
Fickell on calling plays
Following the decision to let Longo go, Fickell addressed the question of who will be calling plays moving forward. He expressed that it may not matter as much as people think. “Why does it matter? Right? I mean, the offense will be run, and those guys will do a lot of things collaboratively together,” he stated. “And I don’t think it really is important as to who’s calling it. I guess it gives you the ability to point a finger at somebody if that’s the case. It’s not one of those things I think is that important. Sometimes I think it’s overrated in some ways.”
Looking ahead for the Badgers
As the Badgers look to finish the season strong, they have two crucial conference games on the horizon against Nebraska and Minnesota. These matchups will be pivotal not only for the team’s morale but also for assessing the effectiveness of the changes made within the coaching staff. With Fickell’s commitment to Locke and a renewed focus on collaboration within the offense, fans are eager to see how the team responds.
The path forward for Wisconsin
In the face of adversity, the Wisconsin Badgers are at a crossroads. The firing of Phil Longo signals a desire for change and improvement, but it also raises questions about the direction of the offense. Will Locke rise to the occasion and lead the team to success? Can the Badgers find their rhythm and improve their scoring average? With Fickell at the helm and a commitment to collaboration, the answers to these questions will unfold in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, one thing is clear: the Wisconsin Badgers are determined to turn the tide. With a focus on growth, collaboration, and unwavering support for their starting quarterback, they aim to finish the season on a high note. The college football landscape is ever-changing, and this is just the beginning of a new chapter for Wisconsin. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the Badgers navigate this challenging period, hoping for a resurgence that could lead them back to glory.
