Wisconsin Badgers' Turnover Success: Coach Fickell Weighs In On the Recent Upturn
Fickell Speaks On Badgers' Recent Success in Turnovers
Head Coach Luke Fickell met with the press during his weekly media conference following Saturday's win against the Georgia Southern Eagles. Recently the Badgers have not had much luck in the turnover department and Fickell was asked how the team managed to flip the script.
Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker C.J. Goetz (98) intercepts a pass against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
© Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
"They made the plays when they were thrown their way," Fickell started. "... When the plays were there, they had an opportunity to make them. Coach Brady said that with about two minutes and 13 seconds to go. Hey, we're on the positive ... in the turnover. I said, don't you dare jinx this thing. Who knows what can happen in two minutes and 13 seconds? We talked about right. I wasn't going to overemphasize. I thought, yes, we got turnovers, but I still think maybe the better of what we did was we tackled better."
Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) sacks Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback Davis Brin (5) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
© Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Spotlight on Hunter Wohler: A Defensive Asset
Safety Hunter Wohler was among the players who contributed to those tackles, 10 tackles came directly from him. It didn't go unnoticed as Coach Fickell took the time to praise Wohler.
"We leveraged things," Fickell continued. "And when you ... get some turnovers, I think you'd by nature, just see yourself being a little bit more aggressive. Some of them were. ...Pressure throws to us, and then some of them were really really good plays. ...The Hunter Wohler one down in the end zone is a phenomenal play."
A Decade-Long Drought Ends
It's worth noting that the Wisconsin Badgers' six turnovers in their recent game were the most they've managed in a single game in over a decade. This could signify a turning point for a team that had recently been grappling with poor defensive statistics.
Final Thoughts
The Wisconsin Badgers may have found a formula that works for them, but the real test will be consistency. It's one thing to have an extraordinary game, but turning that into a trend will require focus, discipline, and exceptional play from athletes like Hunter Wohler.
Watch the media conference below:
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