Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell set the tone in yesterday’s practice at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium in Platteville. When Tyler Van Dyke, the favorite to start at quarterback this year, took too long to get the offense set up, Fickell sidelined Van Dyke and the rest of the squad, demanding another unit take over.
"That’s a period where we’re trying to play faster. And if we just kind of, ‘Oh, it’s day one, we’re going to let them work through some of these things,’ that’s not what we’re going to do now."Luke Fickell, via Colten Bartholomew
Fickell's message was loud and clear. If the Badgers want to improve from 7-6, it begins at practice. It begins by stopping mistakes right away. It begins with getting the execution of plays right the first time around.
Yesterday, Wisconsin's defensive units generated four fumbles in practice reps. According to Colten Bartholomew of the Wisconsin State Journal, two fumbles were attributed to great plays by Badger defenders, while the other two were due to careless ball security. The offense has to take care of the ball, but on the other side, the defense has emphasized more takeaways in 2024. Last season, the Badgers defense generated only four fumbles.
The linebackers got plenty of attention from the defensive side of the ball. Jesse Temple of The Athletic described transfer John Pius as "a menace" in yesterday's practice. Colten Bartholomew also highlighted true freshman Thomas Heiberger, who stripped the ball from tight end Tucker Ashcraft after a completion.
Fickell was also impressed with defensive lineman transfer Brandon Lane, who praised his maturity after the first practice.
Wisconsin's practice yesterday was a double-edged sword. The offense's lack of execution was unacceptable and must be corrected immediately, even if it was the first practice. The Badgers expect more results on defense in generating turnovers and loose footballs.