Braedyn Locke Not Letting Phil Longo Firing Distract from Nebraska

Members of the Badger football team offered some reflection on offensive coordinator Phil Longo's firing yesterday, including quarterback Braedyn Locke, who had a very close relationship with the former play-caller.

"We still have a season to worry about and two games that are very important," Locke said. "I think that it's tough on his family and him, you never you never wish that on anybody. But you know there's a job to do and there's a game to play on Saturday, and that's where our focus is right now."

Locke and Longo had a good relationship, and it's one of the big reasons the quarterback ended up at Wisconsin. But it looks like he's keeping his personal views of Longo out of the way as he prepares for Nebraska and Minnesota, two games that will be crucial for the Badgers' bowl hopes.

"I just think that we have so much to play for," Locke continued. "I mean you got two trophy games left on your schedule...it means a lot to us to do this thing the right way for our seniors."

Not only will Wisconsin play for the Freedom Trophy and Paul Bunyan's Axe, but they also will be playing to keep their bowl streak alive. They'll need to win at least one of the games, otherwise a 23-year streak could come to an end.

Luke Fickell's decision to fire Longo with just two gams remaining certain isn't ideal timing. But the head coach felt strongly enough that a change needed to be made after only averaging 12 points per game over the three-game losing streak. Hopefully the players and coaches can use this as motivation to get a win against the Cornhuskers on Saturday.