Where did it all go wrong for the Wisconsin Badgers football team? Before the campaign arrived, this was a squad that had so much promise, as head coach Luke Fickell was hoping to make a statement in his second full season at the helm.
Now, though, the Badgers are 5-4 on the year following the Week 10 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. It wasn't any old loss, though, as Iowa dominated and sent Wisconsin back to Madison with a 42-10 result. Straight up, it was an embarrassing performance for Fickell and Co.
Fans are furious and rightfully so. Leave it to The Athletic's Scott Dochterman to paint the picture of the UW downfall for everyone. If you ask him, Wisconsin's rough recent history has everything to do with the team running away from what worked for them in the past.
Wisconsin is learning a painful lesson about forfeiting your identity. All the Badgers needed those years was a QB to go next level. They had an awesome OL, great RB, decent WRs and an elite defense. Had great pass rushers, perfect run fits. Just a QB, not wholescale change.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) November 3, 2024
Wisconsin football has reached a low point following the 42-10 loss to Iowa
"Wisconsin is learning a painful lesson about forfeiting your identity. All the Badgers needed those years was a QB to go next level. They had an awesome OL, great RB, decent WRs and an elite defense. Had great pass rushers, perfect run fits. Just a QB, not wholescale change."Scott Dochterman
It's hard to argue with that. Throughout history, Wisconsin has been known for winning battles in the trenches, leading to their star running backs breaking free for monster runs. Remember the days of Jonathan Taylor not too long ago? Of course you do.
Defensively, Wisconsin would smack you in the mouth, with hard-nosed, tough guys making plays all over the field. Now, though, we're not seeing any of that. In 2024, Tyler Van Dike tearing his ACL was devastating, but he wasn't going to be the savior for this team.
Braedyn Locke has stepped in as the starting quarterback, and while he has been a nightmare to watch at times, the team's awful run isn't fully on him. Giving up 42 points to Iowa, especially with its backup QB starting, was unacceptable.
Running back Kaleb Johnson had a standout day, but allowing the Hawkeyes to rush for well over 300 yards was criminal. Where's the Wisconsin of old? That's what countless fans across the country continue to ask themselves.