Luke Fickell says Wisconsin keeps 'Shooting ourselves in the foot' after loss to Indiana

Fickell’s Frustration Evident as Wisconsin Falters in Big Ten Race

Nov 4, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana's Matthew Bedford (76) celebrates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Sports

© Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

In a season that once seemed full of promise for the Wisconsin Badgers, frustration has started to creep in. Their latest clash against the Indiana Hoosiers ended in a disappointing 20-14 road loss, and it has left many fans and, notably, head coach Luke Fickell perplexed.

A Golden Opportunity Wasted

Wisconsin, who was tied for first place in the Big Ten West before Saturday's game, had a golden opportunity when they faced off against Indiana. However, the Badgers were unable to seize the moment, and they have put themselves in a very difficult position when it comes to winning their division and advancing to the Big Ten Championship game.

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What did Luke Fickell Say?

Coach Fickell's post-game remarks echo the collective frustration that seems to be building among the Badgers' faithful. When asked if the most frustrating part is that the team isn't trending toward playing its best football right now, Fickell didn't hold back.

“Yeah, that’s what keeps you laying awake at night, at least it does me," Fickell said after the game. "Are you finding ways to play your best ball at the end of the year? Are you trending in that direction, are you getting better? And there’s a lot of factors to getting better, you know, consistency has a lot to do with it.

Indeed, it's the lack of consistency and execution that's become a thorn in the side of the Badgers. The loss to Indiana, while a testament to the Hoosiers' efforts, also highlighted a nagging issue of self-inflicted wounds. Fickell gave credit to the opponent, acknowledging that they made some significant plays and created an energy that the Badgers couldn't match.

Execution has a lot to do with it. If you go out there, and you get beat, then you get beat. You know, it stings, but it’s a part of the game. Give them credit. You know, they made some big plays, they did a really good job at creating energy, and we didn’t.

Yet, the underlying issue, as Fickell points out, is the failure to maintain that upward trajectory as the season unfolds.

Is it going in that direction? I just think that it’s not growing. I think all of us get a little bit frustrated, and you want to see some things continue to grow. Right now, we keep shooting ourselves in the foot, with some of the similar situations. And we’re just not able to overcome those situations right now.”

Nov 4, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana's Louis Moore (20) starts to celebrate as Josh Sanguinetti runs back a fumble during the second half of a victory over the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Sports

© Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Back to the Drawing Board

For Wisconsin, it's back to the drawing board. The talent and potential are there, but translating that into consistent, mistake-free performances is the puzzle they must solve. Coach Fickell and his staff face the challenge of reigniting that spark, instilling the discipline needed to avoid self-inflicted wounds, and propelling the Badgers back into the race for the Big Ten West.

Up next for the Badgers is a home matchup in Madison against Northwestern.

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