Luke Fickell Doesn't See a Problem With Controversial 4th & 1 Calls

The Badgers fell to USC by a score of 38-21 on Saturday after leading by double-digits at halftime. There were a lot of things to blame for the collapse, but one controversial call is once again irking fans.

On a fourth and one call in USC territory, Fickell opted to go for it rather than kick a field goal to possibly put the Badgers up by seven in the second half. That's fine, most people were probably good with that decision. The real problem lies with the play call itself. Wisconsin, for the second time this year, was stopped on a fourth and short after trying to run out of shotgun.

When asked about it postgame, Fickell defended the call.

"We pride ourselves on being able to get fourth and ones, and I don’t care where it’s at, said Fickell. "Backed up in your own territory or not. We got to have an opportunity to establish who we are. The last two weeks that’s been something that’s cost us. I don’t know that I would change to try a long field goal with where we were on the field."

He may just be trying to protect his offensive coordinator Phil Longo, but Fickell seemed okay with the call. It's fine to go for it there, but the shotgun run on fourth and short play needs to be burned in a fire. It hasn't worked all season and has cost the team valuable momentum.

The coaching and play-calling have caught the ire of fans in almost every game so far this season. The Badgers just don't look like a good team. Sure, they have some decent stretches, but anytime the team gets in a bit of a hole, it implodes. These are the kinds of plays that will forever irritate a fanbase.