Chris McIntosh has all but said that Luke Fickell and his staff will get another go next season. As baffling as that is for the Wisconsin fan base, McIntosh is having a hard time pulling the rip cord and instead wants to see what more resources poured into the roster look like. However, if that is true and not just placating an angry fanbase, it will be determined in the next game.
How, you may ask? By playing as a freshman. There are only four games left, and sure, you could paint a really wild optimistic scenario and say if they win out, they could have a bowl game. Yet, this team has struggled to even be competitive in Big Ten play, so if it's about the future, then turn the page.
Carter Smith should be starting at QB on Saturday if Chris McIntosh is to be believed
With only four games left, any true freshman who shows any promise can't burn their redshirt now. They can play all these games and still be considered a redshirt freshman next season. So, Chris McIntosh, if it's really about the future, tell your coach to let the young kids play and develop.
It could be rough, but it's already rough. It's time to see what Carter Smith brings to the table. Let the young quarterback sling it around, make mistakes, and get game experience. Let's see Nicholas Clayton or Sam Lateju. Maybe develop a package for Eugene Hilton Jr.
It's also going to be the only way the Badgers keep some of these young potential stars. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see some of these players jump the sinking ship. However, if they can be shown what Chris McIntosh has been saying, then maybe, just maybe, they stick around.
Sure, we'd all like to see Luke Fickell fired and the program reset. But since it appears that won't happen, and we are being told it's about the future, then play the future now.