Earlier in the year, Barry Alvarez was a stout defender of Luke Fickell and the Badgers, even going as far to say that the fans were 'spoiled rotten'. After the 37-0 beatdown against Iowa, though, it seems the retired coach's tone has softened.
When asked about linebacker Christian Alliegro's comments regarding the team's lack of identity, Alvarez didn't jump to Fickell's defense this time. Instead, he admitted it might be getting too late for the team to turn things around.
"I'd call a staff meeting immediately and I'd address some things because it's too damn late now," said Alvarez on his weekly ESPN show. "How are you going to start establishing an identity? You're into the season, you're into conference play now. That has to happen during the offseason."
Can Wisconsin salvage any part of this football season?
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The Badgers, now 2-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play, have been outscored 34-126 over their last four games. Not only is it fair to say that the team doesn't have an identity, but it's also fair to say they've given up at times as well. We all know Fickell brought home his timeouts against Michigan, and putting up a goose egg against Iowa and suffering the largest margin of defeat in the 130 year rivalry doesn't bode well for debunking the theory.
Alvarez has been a staunch defender of Fickell this season, but maybe the loss to Iowa has him coming around to the fans' viewpoint. Wisconsin will face off against No. 1 overall Ohio State this week, and barring a miracle, this hole is only going to get deeper.
Will this be the week that Luke Fickell finally gets the axe? It seems like it's an "any day now" situation.