The book isn’t entirely shut on Wisconsin’s loss to Nebraska.
In the aftermath of the game and the subsequent postgame reaction, a video went viral showing an exchange between Badgers coach Luke Fickell and Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola as Fickell was leaving the field.
Related: Braelon Allen, former Wisconsin players react to Badgers historic loss to Nebraska
Fickell is seen walking off with a Wisconsin assistant coach and several police officers — as Nebraska fans stormed the field to celebrate the program’s first bowl appearance since 2016 and first win over Wisconsin in 12 years.
Wisconsin’s coach said something to Raiola, who was walking in the opposite direction. Raiola flashed a thumbs-up and appears to respond before a police officer accompanying Fickell quickly runs over to confront the Nebraska assistant.
That is the extent of the interaction between the two. The video quickly went viral on X, amassing more than 2.7 million views:
Appears former #Badgers center and current OL coach Donovan Raiola had some words for Luke Fickell and/or Casey Rabach yesterday.
Based on his time at Wisconsin, saying something is absolutely on brand for Raiola. Was always talking. pic.twitter.com/0COpLvDCOi
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) November 25, 2024
For further context, Raiola was a decorated offensive lineman for the Wisconsin Badgers during the early 2000s. He has been on the Nebraska coaching staff since 2022, including the last two years under new coach Matt Rhule. On an unrelated note, he’s the uncle of Cornhuskers star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola.
No information has been released on what was said between the two or what prompted the reaction from the police officer accompanying Fickell. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule called the interaction “no big deal” when meeting with the media on Monday.
Now, Wisconsin’s singular focus is on its season-ending Week 14 matchup against Minnesota. Fickell and the Badgers need a victory to avoid failing to be bowl eligible for the first time since 2001.
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