Luke Fickell discusses Wisconsin's 'gut-wrenching' loss to Ohio State
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Gabe Powers (36) tackles Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) during the NCAA football game at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 24-10.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
On Saturday night, the Wisconsin Badgers hosted the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, and though the Badgers gave it everything they had, it was not enough to get the job done. When all was said and done, the Buckeyes, who remain undefeated, walked away from Camp Randall with a hard-fought 24-10 win. Following the game Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell spoke about the 'gut-wrenching' loss to Ohio State.
Weather the Storm
One year ago, the Buckeyes jumped out to a 21-0 1st quarter lead over the Badgers before coasting to a 52-21 win in Columbus. Fickell knew it was crucial for Wisconsin to 'weather the storm' this time around if they wanted to have any shot of beating the No. 3 team in the nation.
"I thought we came out doing what we needed to do, to be honest with you," Fickell told reporters. "I thought we had to weather a storm, make sure that first quarter we were in a good position. Just because of last year, because of some of those things that can creep into your head mentally about what has happened in the past, I thought it was really important for us to come out and play well, especially in the first quarter. I thought we did."
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke (10) breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 24-10.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Just Get to the 4th Quarter
At halftime, Fickell told his players that it was all about doing whatever it took to still be in the game by the time the 4th quarter rolled around. That is exactly what the Badgers did as they trailed 17-10 heading into the final quarter.
"We go in at halftime, really kind of stress to them, Hey, get this thing to the fourth quarter, give ourselves a chance," Fickell said. "We’re in a good position. We get the ball. We’ve done a few things, but we haven’t done enough. But we got to make this thing a war. We got to get it to the fourth quarter and see what we’re made of.
A 'Gut-Wrenching' Loss
Unfortunately, for the Badgers, they were unable to do anything at all offensively in the final quarter and Ohio State added a touchdown to secure a 24-10 win. While speaking to the media, Fickell gave his team credit for following the plan.
"I give those guys credit," Fickell said. "I’m proud of them for following the plan and doing that, getting to the fourth quarter. Then the fourth quarter comes and we can’t execute. We can’t make the plays we need to make, the stops we need to stop. That’s what it comes down to."
The Wisconsin coach added that though this is a 'gut-wrenching' loss, they have to put it behind them and focus on the remainder of the season.
"So kind of gut-wrenching for those guys and for all of us just because of all you put into it, what you built it up to be," Fickell said. "Even after last week."
"But this is tough one. Got to put this thing behind us fast and be able to move forward because I reminded those guys we got one guaranteed month left to us, four guaranteed games left to us. We have got to find a way to put this behind us and move forward."
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass 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
What's Next for the Badgers?
Despite their loss to Ohio State, Wisconsin is currently in a 4-way tie for first place in the Big Ten West along with Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. With that being said, the Badgers will likely have to run the table in their final four games if they want to claim the division title and advance to the Big Ten Championship Game.
It will all start next Saturday when Wisconsin heads to Indiana to take on the 2-6 Hoosiers. Following that game, the Badgers will Northwestern (Nov. 11) and Nebraska (Nov. 18), before finishing up their regular season on the road against Minnesota.
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