What Luke Fickell said after Wisconsin’s loss to Nebraska extended losing streak to four

What Luke Fickell said after Wisconsin’s loss to Nebraska extended losing streak to four

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell addressed the media following the Badgers’ 44-25 loss to Nebraska on Saturday.

The Badgers’ season may have reached its lowest point in the contest. UW allowed the Cornhuskers to pick up nearly 475 yards on offense and score 20 consecutive points spanning the second and third quarters. The team has lost four consecutive conference games to drop to 13th in the Big Ten.

Luke Fickell addressed the loss bluntly after the game.

“This is getting old,” Fickell said. “I don’t have any excuses. We didn’t play well. We didn’t play well in the complementary football that we have to on the road in particular. We played really, really poorly, especially tackling-wise in the second half.”

With a must-win game against Minnesota fast approaching, Wisconsin will need to regroup quickly if it wishes to have any shot of clinching its 23rd straight bowl game.

“We have to challenge ourselves,” Fickell said. “We have to look real deep in a short week and find out who’s with us and who’s willing to lay it all out on the line. … I don’t have a problem having blind faith. When you struggle like that, I’m sure there’s guys that have some doubts in their minds. … You’re going to have to find ways to pick yourself back up and have some faith in the process.”

The challenge for the Badgers, however, seems to be the pressurized situations. As fans have witnessed against Penn State, Oregon, Iowa and Nebraska, events can unravel quickly.

“We can play really, really well, and then we get to a situation where things don’t go well and can’t find a way to regroup or have the poise to make adjustments,” Fickell said. “I don’t have an answer. I can’t put a finger on it other than go back to work and make sure you know who you have with you.”

The one bright spot, though, was quarterback Braedyn Locke. The Texas native threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the loss in arguably his best individual performance of the 2024 slate.

“He managed what we asked him to manage, and he took the shots when we needed to take shots, and he made some good decisions,” Fickell said. “Those are the kind of things we need to continue to build upon. But it’s hard to see through right now.”

All focus now turns to Minnesota in what will be Wisconsin’s final game of the regular season. If Wisconsin wins, it secures a bowl bid. If it loses, the season becomes a full-on disaster.

“I don’t know if there’s any more pressure on us than finding a way to get up and go back at it to play a rivalry game that’s as important as anything we do all year,” Fickell said. “Are there other things that lay in the balance? Yeah, there are, but I don’t think those are things that are going to be in the forefront of what we have to do.”

Wisconsin and Minnesota will kick off on Friday at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin vs. Iowa injury report: Pair of Badgers LBs listed as ‘questionable’

Wisconsin vs Iowa injury report

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) continue their 2024 season on Saturday with a primetime showdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten).

Wisconsin has released its final status report with less than two hours remaining before the 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Badgers will again be without WR Tyrell Henry, amongst others in Week 10. Notably, interior linebackers Tackett Curtis and Jaheim Thomas were added to the injury report, both of whom are questionable to play. Bryson Green is also questionable for the second week in a row as he looks to return to the field for the first time since Oct. 5 versus Purdue.

Iowa, meanwhile, will be without quarterbacks Cade McNamara and Marco Lainez, while starting tight end Luke Lachey is questionable to play with an undisclosed injury. Brendan Sullivan will take over at QB, but if Lachey can’t go, that’s a significant loss for the Hawkeyes.

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Here is the full injury report entering Saturday’s Week 10 game between Wisconsin and Iowa:

Iowa injury report

  • Questionable: TE Luke Lachey
  • Out: John Nestor, Marco Lainez, Cade McNamara, Reece Vander Zee, Addison Ostrenga

Wisconsin injury report

  • Questionable: WR Bryson Green, LB Jaheim Thomas, LB Tackett Curtis, TE J.T. Seagraves
  • Out: Chez Mellusi, Tyler Van Dyke, Joseph Griffin, Kamo’i Latu, Tyrell Henry, Cole LaCrue, Tamer Dalloul, Evan Brown, Leyton Nelson, Rob Booker, James Thompson Jr.

Wisconsin WR Bryson Green injury update

Green suffered a knee injury in Week 6 against Purdue and has yet to return to the field. He was considered a game-time decision in Week 9 against Penn State, but he was ultimately ruled out. If he’s unavailable again, C.J. Williams will once again see an expanded role at wideout.

Wisconsin LB Jaheim Thomas injury update

Thomas recorded nine total tackles (five solo) in the team’s 28-13 loss to Penn State in Week 9, but he appears to have potentially picked up an injury in the contest or during practice this week. With Tackett Curtis also questionable, the Badgers could be down to Jake Chaney and Christian Alliegro at interior linebacker versus the Hawkeyes.

Iowa TE Luke Lachey injury update

Lachey was a late add to the injury report for the Hawkeyes and it’s unclear what is ailing him. The tight end is a big part of Iowa’s success in both the passing and running games on offense and his absence would be a big blow for Kirk Ferentz and his squad.

Wisconsin vs. Penn State injury report: Badgers starting WR listed as ‘questionable’

All the latest updates and news on Wisconsin’s injury report ahead of a Week 9 game vs. Penn State

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) continue their 2024 season on Saturday with a primetime showdown against the No. 3-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten).

Wisconsin has released its final status report with less than two hours remaining before the 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Related: Wisconsin vs. Penn State: TV channel, radio station, matchup preview and betting line for Saturday’s big game

The Badgers will again be without S Kamo’i Latu, WR Tyrell Henry, TE Rob Booker and OL Leyton Nelson against the Nittany Lions. Starting WR Bryson Green and freshman TE J.T. Seagraves are also listed as questionable

Penn State, meanwhile, will be without starting kick-returner Kaden Saunders for a third consecutive week. It is also still missing star S Kevin Winston Jr., who has been sidelined since the team’s Week 2 win over Bowling Green.

Here is the full injury report entering Saturday’s Week 9 game between Wisconsin and Penn State:

Wisconsin injury report

  • Questionable: WR Bryson Green, J.T. Seagraves
  • Out: Chez Mellusi, Tyler Van Dyke, Joseph Griffin, Kamo’i Latu, Tyrell Henry, Grady O’Neill, Tamer Dalloul, Evan Brown, Leyton Nelson, Rob Booker, James Thompson Jr.,

Penn State injury report

  • Questionable: None
  • Out: Kevin Winston Jr., Kaden Saunders, Quinton Martin Jr., Cam Wallace, Keon Wylie, Zuriah Fisher, Mekhi Flowers, Jake Spencer, Andrew Rappleyea

Wisconsin WR Bryson Green injury update

Luke Fickell called Green a game-time decision when meeting with the media earlier this week. Green is officially listed as ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s contest.

Penn State S Kevin Winston Jr. injury update

Winston Jr. will miss Saturday’s Week 9 contest against the Badgers. The star safety was injured during the first quarter of Penn State’s Week 2 win over Bowling Green. He has yet to return to the field.

Penn State RB Quinton Martin Jr. injury update

The true freshman running back is listed as ‘out’ for Saturday’s game against the Badgers. True freshman Corey Smith is expected to step in as the Nittany Lions’ third-string running back.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell gives injury update on WR Bryson Green entering Penn State week

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell gives injury update on WR Bryson Green for Penn State game

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell gave an update on the status of wide receiver Bryson Green during his media availability on Monday.

He described the veteran wide receiver as ‘more of a game-time decision’ entering Saturday’s game against Penn State, that after Green missed the Badgers’ last two games with a lower-body injury.

Related: Wisconsin releases updated two-deep depth chart for Week 9 game vs. Penn State

Fickell clarified that the original plan was for Green to return this week against the Nittany Lions. His status for the game, however, appears dependent on this week of practice.

Green had 12 catches for 154 yards through the Badgers’ first four games of the season. His best outing was in the team’s loss at USC — four catches for 65 receiving yards. He left Wisconsin’s win over Purdue early with a lower-body injury and has yet to return to the field.

Wisconsin would likely again turn to C.J. Williams and Vinny Anthony to play increased roles if Green is to miss a third consecutive contest.

The Badgers and Nittany Lions are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin injury report vs. Rutgers: Badgers without starting wide receiver

Wisconsin injury report vs. Rutgers: Badgers without starting wide receiver

Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) has released its final status report before Saturday’s game at Rutgers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten).

The Badgers will be without starting wide receiver Bryson Green, as well as veteran safety Kamo’i Latu and depth receiver Tyrell Henry.

Related: Wisconsin at Rutgers: TV channel, radio station, matchup preview and betting line for Saturday’s game

Green left Wisconsin’s 52-6 win over Purdue with a lower-body injury and did not return to the game. C.J. Williams will likely see an increased snap count in Green’s absence.

Latu and Henry, meanwhile, have both been depth options through the first five games of the season. Their absences will see others step into the primary backup roles at safety and wide receiver, respectively.

Other players listed as ‘out’ include QB Tyler Van Dyke (out for the season), DL James Thompson Jr. (out indefinitely), RB Chez Mellusi (no longer with program), OL Leyton Nelson, TE Rob Booker and WR Joseph Griffin Jr. (ineligible for season).

Outside linebacker Aaron Witt is the only player listed as ‘questionable.’

Wisconsin and Rutgers will kick off at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT on the Big Ten Network and streaming on Fox Sports.

Here is our full weekly preview of the game, including the statistical preview, key players and storylines to watch,

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

How Wisconsin’s wide receiver room fared in its Week 1 test vs. Western Michigan

Wisconsin wide receivers Will Pauling, Trech Kekahuna and Bryson Green led the charge for UW’s wide receiver room vs. Western Michigan on Friday.

The three wideouts combined for 13 catches, 133 yards and a two-point conversion during the Week 1 victory against the Broncos at Camp Randall.

As a whole, Wisconsin’s offense was inconsistent throughout the entire match. Facing a 14-13 deficit early in the fourth quarter, UW appeared almost lethargic.

Nonetheless, its three main pass-catching cogs made a handful of plays to help ignite its offense when needed.

Pauling, who entered this season as UW’s No. 1 option at wide receiver, finished with a game-best six catches for 60 yards. He served as Tyler Van Dyke’s safety valve throughout the entire contest and showcased his ability to gain yards after the catch during much of the second half.

Green, Wisconsin’s long range pass-catching threat, registered four catches for 39 yards during the first half. Kekahuna, meanwhile, secured three catches for 34 yards and a timely two-point conversion to push UW ahead 21-14 in the fourth quarter.

Even though the counting stats appear somewhat respectable, Wisconsin’s run game did most of the damage on offense. For a unit committed to an air-raid scheme, the Badgers will need to lean on their playmakers if they wish to compete against Alabamas Oregons Penn State and USC this season.

Luckily for Van Dyke, this trio is more than capable when given the opportunity. Pauling is arguably as quick as any slot receiver in the conference, Green can snag jump balls with his 6’3” frame and Kekahuna knows how to maneuver his way open in the middle of the field.

UW plays its second game of the season against the University of South Dakota on Sept. 7 at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin starting wide receiver to return for senior season

Wisconsin starting wide receiver to return for senior season

Wisconsin starting wide receiver Bryson Green confirmed to reporters after the Badgers’ 35-31 loss to LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl that he will return to Wisconsin next season.

The former Oklahoma State wideout and college veteran has one year of eligibility remaining, though technically would’ve been eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft had that been an attractive path. Then with the current state of the transfer portal, there’s never total assurance that veteran contributors will return.

Green caught 25 passes for 375 yards and one touchdown during the regular season, then added seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown during today’s loss to LSU. He figures to be Wisconsin’s top receiving option next season alongside standout Will Pauling. The trio of Green, Pauling and C.J. Williams project to be the top group in year two under Phil Longo.

Wisconsin saw experienced wide receivers Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell enter the portal after the regular season. Retaining Pauling and Green is big for the offense’s prospects in 2024.

Badger Countdown: Transfer wideout wearing number nine in 2023

New wideout in number nine this year

The 2023 college football season is almost here and Luke Fickell and his Badgers are now nine days away from their opener against Buffalo on Sept. 2. Amongst the many new members this year, wide receiver Bryson Green will wear number nine in his first campaign with Wisconsin.

Green transferred to Wisconsin this offseason after spending two seasons with Oklahoma State, who the Badgers coincidentally beat 24-17 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in December.

Over his two campaigns with the Cowboys, Green compiled a total of 48 catches for 723 yards and seven touchdowns over 23 contests.

Now in Madison, the wide receiver will be working within Phil Longo’s “Air Raid” offense while catching passes from quarterback Tanner Mordecai.

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Badger Countdown: Wide receiver’s 27 touchdowns are all-time high

The 2023 college football season is fastly approaching and the Badgers are now 27 days from their season opener versus Buffalo on Sept. 2.

The 2023 college football season is fastly approaching and the Badgers are now 27 days from their season opener versus Buffalo on Sept. 2. The Luke Fickell era is almost underway in Madison and part of the hype this season is surrounding the wide receivers, but a former wideout owns the all-time touchdown record with 27.

Lee Evans was a member of the Badgers from 1999-2003, finishing his UW career with 3,468 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns on 175 catches during his college career. The yards and touchdowns are the highest in Wisconsin football history while the catches are third.

With transfers like CJ Williams (USC) and Bryson Green (Oklahoma State) coming in, maybe there will be a new star wideout in Madison this year!

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BREAKING: Badger wide receiver enters transfer portal… again

As the 2023 Badger football season closes in, the team has seen a few departures over the last week and there was another announcement Friday.

As the much-anticipated 2023 Badger football season closes in, the team has seen a few departures over the last week or so and there was another one announced Friday. After two seasons with Wisconsin, wide receiver Markus Allen will be entering the transfer portal.

This is the second time that Allen has entered the transfer portal, having done so last fall following the firing of head coach Paul Chryst, ultimately returning to Madison after Luke Fickell took over. Now operating in a crowded WR room with Wisconsin after the team added multiple wideouts via transfer moves, including C.J. Williams (USC) and Bryson Green (Oklahoma State).

Pair that with the off the field legal issues he’s been dealing with, Allen will look for a fresh start elsewhere. He’ll finish his UW career with 10 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown over eight games during his two campaigns in Madison.

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