Reactions to Wisconsin's Season-Ending Loss to Minnesota

A 22-year bowl streak was snapped. One of the longest consecutive winning season streaks ended. And Paul Bunyan's Axe headed back to Minnesota. The worst season in over two decades is finally over as Wisconsin fell to Minnesota 7-24, ending their year on a five game losing streak.

The Badger offense came out completely flat in the first half and doomed the game from the start. Quarterback Braedyn Locke had three batted passes in the first quarter alone, as the offense puttered along for just 43 first half yards. In their six possessions, they punted six times and never even got the ball over midfield.

Despite firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo three weeks ago, the offense failed to improve in the interim, posting their lowest point total of the year against Minnesota. The run game was poor and Locke's accuracy was all over the place, and once again, it looked like a team without a plan or an identity.

The Wisconsin defense was bullied by a much more physical Minnesota team and gave up 183 yards on the ground. And while they did force six punts, they were unable to clamp down in the second half to allow any sort of comeback. Luke Fickell and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel just seemed out-coached, as they have for most of the past month.

There's not much else to say in a game that felt like a loss from the opening kickoff. It will be a long road ahead heading into 2025. After the worst season since 2001, there's going to be change, and rightfully so.

So regardless of who stays or who goes, from the staff to the players, this next season needs to be the opposite of whatever 2024 was. The lack of physicality, identity and overall 'Wisconsin-ness' had the team searching for answers all year. This will be one of the most important offseasons in decades.