Wisconsin Badgers' Head Coach Luke Fickell Takes Accountability for Loss to Iowa
Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) hands the football off to running back Braelon Allen (0) during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Accountability Factor: Fickell Takes the Blame
Luke Fickell, Head Coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, pulled no punches in his post-game press conference following Saturday's loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. "They beat us in every phase of the game," Fickell said, "It's pretty obvious. I mean, give them a lot of credit. ... Offensively, defensively, and in particular special teams, they made the plays when they needed to."
He extended his critique to himself and his coaching staff, stating, "But we got to do a better job. I told them in the locker room, I thought first and foremost, ... they did a better job coaching than we did today, ... and I'm the first one, right?" He continued, "When it comes down to it, ... we didn't get it done."
Braedyn Locke: Under Pressure, Poised for Growth
When asked about backup quarterback Braedyn Locke, Fickell's tone shifted. "It was a battle hard fought and ... he gets thrown into a situation like that. That, uh, you know, makes it very, very difficult." He further elaborated, "I thought they did a great job at pressuring and keeping us off balance. ... I think we got to do a better job protection-wise to give our quarterbacks a better chance."
Locke's Crucial Test: A Starting Nod Against Illinois
As the team attempts to shake off their loss, all eyes are on Braedyn Locke. The redshirt freshman will take center stage this Saturday against Illinois in his first starting game of his college career. Considering Fickle's remarks on the team's coaching, it'll be interesting to see how the young quarterback is prepared and protected for what could be a career-defining outing.
Final Thoughts
The way Luke Fickell talks about the Badgers' defeat to Iowa sheds light on his approach to leadership, emphasizing both accountability and realism. With Braedyn Locke set to make his first career start, it also offers a pivotal moment for the team's coaching staff to correct course and prove themselves.
Watch the full media conference below:
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