There really isn't anything positive to be said about what Wisconsin fans just saw against Minnesota. The Badgers came out flat and limped across the finish line in a brutal 24-7 loss to the Golden Gophers in the regular season finale.
Wisconsin has posted a winning season and a bowl berth in 22 consecutive seasons. However, following Friday's defeat, the Badgers closed the year out at 5-7 and people are livid with Luke Fickell. Can you blame them for that?
This was Year 2 for Fickell and nothing went according to plan. After going 7-6 in 2023, his team lost five straight games (first time since 1991) to close things out in '24. Folks are not happy and social media is going wild with Wisconsin supporters ripping the state of the program.
Wisconsin football fans are furious with Luke Fickell after the loss to Minnesota
People at Camp Randall Stadium were booing the team at halftime and more of the same was showcased after the final whistle too. This was a chance for Wisconsin to close the regular season out on a high note against a rival, but instead another disappointing performance was posted.
22 year bowl game streak snapped against our rival..
— Badger Barstool (@badgerbarstool) November 29, 2024
Who has it better than us?
For the first time in 22 years - Wisconsin football finishes the season with a losing record. Worst season for the Badgers since 2001. It’s been two full years & there’s zero identity under Luke Fickell.
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) November 29, 2024
Minnesota came to Camp Randall and embarrassed Wisconsin. Inexcusable.
A losing season for the first time since 2001. A 5-game losing streak for the first time since 1991. A loss to a hated rival on home turf. Boos ringing out in Camp Randall Stadium. An empty trophy case. Welcome to a 'new and different' era of Wisconsin football. Ugly and painful.
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) November 29, 2024
The worst part about how pathetic Wisconsin has been this season? It hasn’t even made me sad—because that would’ve implied there was something good this season worth mourning.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) November 29, 2024
Instead, it’s only made me mad.
Convince me why Fickell should be retained. And don't bother mentioning some high school senior Michigan spent $10M to replace.
— Sarcastic Applause (@blondehypnotist) November 29, 2024
Shameful 2 years from this staff. Do not double down on a clear mistake McIntosh….. Fire this whole staff and pull the plug. Congrats on being the AD and the Coaching staff who ruined the bowl streak. Get out of Madison tonight.
— Ben Sweet (@TheCoachSweet) November 29, 2024
What a joke… fire this whole staff
— Donte Hadler (@DonteHadler) November 29, 2024
In the first half alone, Wisconsin's play was atrocious, with the offense posting 44 total yards. What?! At halftime, Fickell called out the unit, but the speech he must have given in the locker room didn't change a whole lot.
On the day, quarterback Braedyn Locke completed 15-of-32 pass attempts for 150 yards and a touchdown. If you want to look at a positive on offense, it'd be that he didn't throw an interception. As for the ground game, it was pretty much a non-factor: Tawee Walker was held to 36 yards on 14 carries.
The 5-7 campaign has to be a major wake-up call for Fickell and his staff. The Early Signing Period will get here on Dec. 4, with some big names on the way, including touted 4-star quarterback Cam Smith. On top of that, Fickell needs to hit the ground running in finding a new OC.
Plenty of people are calling for him to be fired, but he will probably get one more year. If another five-win fall is posted, though, it will be lights out for him in Madison.