We get lost in the highs and lows of the individual season, but when we zoom out as Badger fans and look at the past two decades of Wisconsin football we have seen one of the most consistent teams in the country.
Since 2000, the Badgers have just one losing season. That came in 2001 when Wisconsin went 5-7.
They also have 8 double-digit win seasons over the last 14 campaigns, as they have not just scraped into bowl games but found themselves with a chance to compete for a conference championship more times than not in recent years.
Check out this visual of just how consistent Wisconsin football has been in recent years:
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People forget just how consistently good the Wisconsin football program has been. pic.twitter.com/a8aix6R5Dh
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.
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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.
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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.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Wisconsin Badgers will meet this Saturday at Memorial Stadium in a game that’s more than just a rivalry—it’s about survival. Both teams are on the brink of bowl eligibility, and this Big Ten showdown will put everything on the line.
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Braedyn Locke #18 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. Braedyn Locke #18 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images
How to Watch Wisconsin vs Nebraska:
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Channel: Big Ten Network
Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
When Nebraska joined the Big Ten, fans were ready for a fresh slate of rivalries. Enter Wisconsin. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, the rivalry has been a lopsided affair, with the Badgers owning the series for a full decade. But if there was ever a time for Nebraska to flip the script, it’s now, with bowl eligibility and bragging rights hanging in the balance.
The Cornhuskers enter this game with a chance to rewrite history. They’ve been inconsistent in conference play, but playing at home gives them an edge. If Nebraska can control the clock, limit turnovers, and capitalize on Wisconsin’s mistakes, they might finally snap the streak.
The Badgers aren’t just fighting for bowl eligibility, they’re fighting to remind Nebraska who’s boss. Wisconsin has leaned on a strong ground game and tough defense in recent years, and they’ll need that formula again to quiet the Lincoln crowd.
This will be a great rivalry game on Saturday, so make sure to tune in.
WATCH: Wisconsin vs Nebraska live on fuboTV for free
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