What Went Wrong in Wisconsin’s 44-25 loss to Nebraska

The Wisconsin Badgers started the week 5-5 and hoped to become bowl-eligible for the 23rd straight season. They also hoped to continue their dominance over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who haven’t beaten the Badgers since 2012.

Well, Wisconsin lost to Nebraska 44-25 in what was yet another disappointing loss this season.

Here’s what went wrong for Wisconsin in the 44-25 loss to Nebraska.

Special teams

Wisconsin played surprisingly well in the first half, with Braedyn Locke connecting on multiple long pass attempts.

However, they still couldn’t find a way to make it into the endzone which forced Nathanial Vakos to attempt three crucial field goals. He missed two of them.

That killed Wisconsin’s momentum and definitely was a key factor in the Badgers’ loss. Head coach Luke Fickell’s team has had their fair share of special teams blunders, with a couple of dropped punts early in the season and now these missed kicks.

He needs to fix these small issues as he approaches a very important third season as Wisconsin’s head coach.

Coaching blunders

There were some small blunders that led to huge mistakes by this Badgers coaching staff. For example, attempting a run instead of kneeling at the end of the first half which led to a fumble and Nebraska field goal is inexcusable.

What also doesn’t make sense is how many penalties the Badgers’ defense received in the red zone, whether it be pass interference, roughing the passer, or a facemask. Those penalties killed any chances at a Wisconsin comeback as the offense had one of their better outings in recent memory.

Overall, Coach Fickell needs to continue to preach his philosophy of being disciplined in tight games like these or else they will continue to drop them. They have the recruits coming in and ability, they need to limit silly mistakes that hurt them in the long run.

Wisconsin takes on Minnesota next Saturday in a game that will make or break the Badgers’ season. There is a small chance that the Badgers make a bowl game even at 5-7 due to APR, but it would be a terrible end to a disappointing season.

Expect Fickell to prepare extensively for their senior day game, hoping to salvage the season by keeping Paul Bunyan’s axe in Madison.