After a blowout loss to No. 19 Alabama, Wisconsin is now left searching for answers. There's a lot to fix going forward, but there are three glaring problems that the Badgers need to remedy in order to salvage the season.
Offensive Line
For the third straight game, the offensive line was a weak link on the offensive unit. Quarterback Danny O'Neil was sacked four times and the Badgers' rushing attack was virtually non-existent, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. has toyed with the lineup all season, and will probably have to make yet another change as injuries mount, but there doesn't appear to be any obvious solutions. Fickell said after the game that all options will be on the table.
"I don't know that I can say that there's one glaring [issue]," Fickell said. "It's a process that we've got to figure out and find a way to get the right combination of those guys together."
Coaching
For three years now, fans have been waiting to see meaningful progress made with the team, and after yet another blowout loss, it's getting harder and harder to find any. Fickell is now 0-7 against ranked teams, and yet he seems further than ever from getting that first elusive win.
The staff has either failed to properly develop, recruit or scheme, and while the biggest problem might never be uncovered, there's obviously a disconnect somewhere. The Badgers will have plenty of chances to earn it throughout the difficult schedule, but if significant progress isn't made this season, it's tough to see a world where Wisconsin doesn't explore their options.
Injuries
After missing a second straight start, quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. remains the name at the top of the list of a growing list of injured players. The offensive line was beaten up against Alabama, forcing three redshirt freshman into the lineup. While injuries don't paint the full story of Wisconsin's struggles, they've certainly contributed, and the Badgers are counting down the days until they get some key starters back.