This wasn't how Wisconsin football was supposed to start the campaign. Yes, this team is 1-0 and the Badgers were able to post a 17-0 win over Miami (Ohio) on Thursday night. Winning is all that matters, so kudos to the players for improving in the second half and winning by two scores.
Still, there's isn't a ton of optimism surrounding the fanbase on Friday morning with a trip to Tuscaloosa two weeks away. The win over Miami (Ohio) wasn't convincing at all and the same issues that have haunted this team in the past showed up again. Head coach Luke Fickell needed a brilliant Week 1 performance to calm anxious fans, but that wasn't the case at all.
Wisconsin records lowest season-opener attendance in 30+ years for 2 major reasons
Luke Fickell has no idea how to coach at Wisconsin. The Dairy Raid was a disaster and now he’s trying to atone for being an idiot but does realize all he has to do to win is recruit the 300+ farm boys in the state and run the ball. Total moron.
— Greg Peterson (@GUnit_81) August 29, 2025
Luke Fickell needs to turn things around and fast in 2025 at Wisconsin
The good news for Fickell is that it seems like Billy Edwards Jr. has avoided a serious injury. Nothing has been confirmed there yet, but Fickell provided a positive update after the final whistle, saying the fact that the QB was in street clothes and out with the rest of the team for the second half was a 'good sign.'
Had Edwards immediately left the stadium for medical treatment, it would have been a nightmare for everyone. Danny O'Neil stepped in and helped lead the team to the 17-point win, which was nice to see. However, Wisconsin should have never been in such a close game at Camp Randall to open the new campaign.
Even when Edwards was at full strength and in action in front of the fans in Madison, the offense looked sluggish. The play of the offensive line was a big concern, particularly on the left side. We hate to single anyone out, but Davis Heinzen had a night to forget. The tackle ended up getting replaced in the second half by Leyton Nelson.
Overall, the offense needs to wake up and fast. The defense was obviously a bright spot, with the unit looking sharp from start to finish. That's what the Wisconsin faithful is used to, but the offense not getting the job done is becoming far too consistent under Fickell. In Week 2, a dance with Middle Tennessee is on the way and the O needs to do a full 180. If it doesn't, even more people will be going after Fickell and there will be close to no hope for that Week 3 game vs. Alabama.