Florida Atlantic fired coach Tom Herman on Monday.
Herman, who led the Owls to a 6-16 mark since he took over in 2023, was let go after losing in gut-wrenching fashion to Temple on Nov. 16. The loss dropped FAU to 2-8 on the season and 0-6 in AAC play.
The news, however, is notable for those invested in Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator situation. After firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Saturday, the Badgers are in the market for a new play-caller.
That’s where Herman can step in. The former Texas Longhorns coach served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State from 2012-14, the same years Fickell was the co-defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
Tom Herman has been working to find a Power 4 offensive coordinator job in recent weeks.
It’s safe to say Herman’s recent resume with Florida Atlantic sells himself short. At Ohio State, he earned the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. He made the jump from Ohio State’s OC to the Texas top job in just three years. While his tenure since that point has trended negatively, he remains one of the well-thought-of offensive minds in the sport.
If hired by UW, Herman’s relationship with Fickell could prove the catalyst. As of Nov. 18, Wisconsin is reeling and in desperate need of rejuvenation. Herman could bring that type of spark if awarded the opportunity.
Where Wisconsin lands in Action Network bowl projections after Week 12
The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy released his bowl predictions ahead of Week 13 of the 2024 college football season on Monday.
For the fourth time in five weeks, McMurphy predicts Wisconsin to return to the Pinstripe Bowl. And, as he did after Week 10, the analyst has the Badgers facing Pittsburgh.
The Panthers, the No. 8 team in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are on a three-game skid. At 7-3, Pittsburgh has fallen into the ‘receiving votes’ category in the latest installation of the AP top 25 poll.
Still, the Panthers have beaten Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Youngstown State, North Carolina, California and Syracuse. Their recent losses have arrived against No. 13 SMU, No. 17 SMU and Virginia.
Week 13 @ActionNetworkHQ bowl projections & ranking order of which 5 win teams would earn a bowl bid, if not enough 6 win teams. @CFBPlayoff: Oregon, Texas, Miami, Colorado, Boise St at Ohio St; Ole Miss at Bama; UGA at Notre Dame; Indiana at Penn St https://t.co/AzjdSCHpuO
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is 5-5 after Week 12 after losing its most recent game against Oregon by three points in the fourth quarter. The Badgers also dropped their previous two games to No. 4 Penn State and Iowa by a combined 57 points.
Luke Fickell’s program also elected to fire offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Saturday. At No. 11 in the Big Ten, the organization appears to be amid an identity crisis.
If McMurphy’s prediction rings true, this will be the first time UW will participate in the Pinstripe Bowl since 2018 when it defeated Miami 35-3.
Four Big Ten teams are currently projected to land in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff this winter. No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Penn State and No. 5 Indiana are included in the AP’s top 5 ahead of Week 12.
Wisconsin in still search of its 23rd consecutive bowl game appearance. It needs a win over its final two games against Nebraska and Minnesota.
Nebraska true freshman quarterback predicts win vs. Badgers
Nebraska true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola predicted a Cornhuskers over the Badgers on Nov. 23.
Following Nebraska’s 28-20 loss to the USC Trojans in Los Angeles on Saturday, Raiola did not lack confidence when asked about the adjustment process moving to new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.
“We’re only gonna keep building on it these next two weeks,” Raiola said. “We’ll get the win next week and get us to a bowl.”
He was referring to Nebraska’s 11th game of the season vs. the Wisconsin Badgers. Like UW, the Cornhuskers are on a multi-game losing streak dating back to October.
Raiola’s crew has dropped four consecutive contests, to No. 5 Indiana, No. 2 Ohio State, UCLA and USC. The Badgers, meanwhile, have lost three straight to No. 4 Penn State, Iowa and No. 1 Oregon.
Through 10 games as a true freshman this season, the Georgia native has registered 203 completions, 2,112 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Earlier this season, he led his group to a signature win over Shedeur Sanders and the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes in Lincoln.
Raiola has attracted a decent amount of media attention this season because of his uncanny physical resemblance to Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His level of play, however, is far from that caliber — during the four-game skid he’s thrown just two touchdowns to six interceptions.
Wisconsin hasn’t dropped a game to Nebraska since 2012. The Badgers will look to continue that streak when the two teams meet on Saturday.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell cryptic about Badgers play-calling plan after Phil Longo firing
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell offered an update on Wisconsin’s play-calling situation on Monday. Or, he purposely avoided giving one.
Fewer than 24 hours after Wisconsin fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo, Fickell fielded several questions from the media in his weekly press conference on Monday.
When asked about his play-calling plans going forward, Fickell offered somewhat of a cryptic response.
“Why does it matter?” Fickell said. “The offense will be run, and those guys will do a lot of things collaboratively. I don’t think it’s really important as to who is calling it. I guess it gives you the ability to point a finger at somebody. It’s not one of those things I think is that important. Sometimes I think it’s overrated in some ways, but it’ll be a collaborative group and those guys will have to work a lot together.”
Taken literally, Fickell’s answer would be troubling. The more reasonable explanation is that he wanted to avoid questions on the topic — something that wasn’t going to be able to do after firing Longo just one day earlier.
If Wisconsin’s current three-game losing streak, culminating in the crushing 16-13 loss to No. 1 Oregon on Saturday, impacted Fickell’s long-term vision for the program enough to make a significant coaching move, there was likely a plan in place when the move was made.
If Fickell’s explained blueprint is the way Wisconsin goes, wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton, running backs coach Devon Spalding and tight ends coach Nate Letton are in position to work together to kick-start the offense. In reality, one of them will likely emerge as the play-caller.
Fickell also added that Guiton will inherit quarterback coaching responsibilities alongside his role with the wide receivers.
UW will continue to gear up for its Nov. 23 road game against Nebraska.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell clarifies Badgers starting quarterback moving forward
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell offered a firm update on the Badgers’ quarterback situation on Monday.
When asked by media about redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke’s status as UW’s starting quarterback, Fickell didn’t hesitate. Locke will remain the team’s starter.
The update arrives two days after UW dropped its marquee matchup against No. 1 Oregon. Wisconsin led 13-6 at the beginning of the final quarter before allowing 10 points to the top-ranked Ducks. Locke struggled in the contest, completing 12 of 28 passes for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Fresh off a three-game losing streak and after that coaching change, UW looks to regroup for its Nov. 23 game with Locke under center.
In nine games this season, Locke has completed 129 pass attempts for 1,514 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. He is up to 10 turnovers in seven starts since taking over for Tyler Van Dyke after his injury.
Wisconsin’s other option at the position is true freshman Mabrey Mettauer. The four-star recruit has attempted just one collegiate pass, and he appears far from ready for high-stakes game action.
Given Locke’s sample size as the starter this season, fans can expect more of the same from the second-year Badger. Taking care of the football is critical for Wisconsin to take care of business against rival Nebraska.
The Badgers and Cornhuskers are scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
BREAKING: Wisconsin fires offensive coordinator Phil Longo
Wisconsin football fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Sunday, according to a release from the program.
The Badgers make the move after struggling offensively in a 16-13 Week 12 loss to No. 1 Oregon. The offense held the team back from a program-defining victory, continuing a worrying trend that dates to the start of Longo’s tenure with the program.
“This morning, I informed Phil Longo that he will no longer serve as our offensive coordinator,” Fickell said in the program’s release. “After continuing to evaluate the program, I decided we are not where we need to be and believe this decision is in the best interest of the team. I appreciate Phil’s commitment to helping us build our program over the past two seasons and wish him well moving forward. This team still has a lot in front of us, and I am committed to doing everything we can to close out this season with success.”
Longo’s unit ranked 91st in the nation in total offense (363.1 yards per game) and 98th in the nation in scoring offense (23.9 points per game) through 12 weeks in 2024.
There is context. The unit dealt with a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. But it still failed to make any significant progress after showing spurts of success during a midseason winning streak.
Wisconsin makes the move 23 games into the Luke Fickell era.
His move to hire Longo was a significant departure from the program’s history and identity. This decision marks a significant moment for Fickell as he works to build his program. It goes without saying his next offensive hire will need to be the right one.
The Badgers close with games against Nebraska and Minnesota. They need one win to gain bowl eligibility for a 23rd consecutive season.
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WATCH: The play that decided Oregon’s win over Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers nearly clinched an upset win over No. 1 Oregon on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the Ducks executed when it mattered most.
The Badgers, who had lost two straight games to Big Ten opponents, were on the precipice of their first signature win of the 2024 campaign.
The team led 13-6 at the start of the fourth quarter. Oregon faced a fourth-and-nine at the Badgers’ 41-yard line, where a defensive stop could become the game’s defining moment.
Instead, Oregon registered that defining moment.
Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel scrambled to the left, fired off his left foot and hit tight end Terrance Ferguson through heavy traffic. With the catch, the Ducks completed the first down and generated momentum for a touchdown drive.
From that point on, UW was outmatched. The Badgers failed to score for the remainder of the contest, and Oregon left with a 16-13 win.
A win for Luke Fickell’s program could have shifted the Badgers’ momentum for the rest of the 2024 season. Now, the team sits at 5-5 entering a road test against Nebraska next weekend.
RECAP: Wisconsin’s upset bid falls short as Badgers fall to No. 1 Oregon 16-13
Wisconsin came within a fourth-quarter drive of a program-defining upset on Saturday night. The team’s upset bid fell just short, as the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks held on for a 16-13 win.
The Badgers tested the Ducks from the opening kick. Oregon started the game slow with a field goal and red-zone interception in its first two drives. Wisconsin struggled to find much offense through that time and entered the second quarter trailing just 6-0. The stat sheet showed a lopsided first frame, though the Badgers were still hanging tough on the scoreboard.
Wisconsin then found its form in the second frame. A strong defensive effort kept that margin at 6-0 as the Badgers finally found space for RB Tawee Walker. Braedyn Locke found WR Will Pauling for a one-yard touchdown in the quarter’s closing minutes, building a surprising 10-6 halftime lead.
Luke Fickell’s team has played strong first halves against top teams all season. Those results have flipped after the break, leading to final margins of 42-10 vs Alabama,38-21 vs USC and 28-13 vs Penn State.
Saturday’s contest was different. Wisconsin built its margin to 13-6 during a strong third quarter. The team found more and more running room as the game continued, putting the top-ranked Ducks squarely on the ropes.
Oregon faced a 4th-and-9 deep in Wisconsin territory entering the final frame, a defensive stop that could’ve defined Wisconsin’s upset victory.
Instead, Oregon’s playmakers decided the game down the stretch.
QB Dillon Gabriel found top tight end Terrance Ferguson on a tight-window throw on that 4th-and-9. Oregon RB Jordan James scored a few plays later, notching the score at 13 apiece.
Wisconsin then had several opportunities to regain control on offense and capitalize on the terrific opportunity. Those final drives were punt, punt, turnover on downs and a game-clinching interception. Oregon’s defense took over with the game in the balance.
No. 1 Oregon gets an interception to hold off an upset bid from Wisconsin.
Oregon escapes Wisconsin with a 16-13 victory, improving to 11-0 on the season and 8-0 in Big Ten play. The Ducks clinch a Big Ten title game appearance with the win.
Wisconsin drops to 5-5 on the season and 3-4 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Badgers must win one of their two closing games at Nebraska and vs. Minnesota to clinch bowl eligibility.
The Badgers put forth an encouraging effort after their disastrous loss at Iowa in Week 10. The sentiment will still reflect a missed opportunity after having the No. 1 team in the sport on the doorstep of defeat.
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All the latest updates and news on Wisconsin’s injury report ahead of a Week 12 game vs. Oregon
The Wisconsin Badgers (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) and No. 1 Oregon Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) are close to 90 minutes away from kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin enters as a sizable underdog, looking to pull its first upset over an AP No. 1 overall team since it defeated then-No. 1 Ohio State back in 2010.
Oregon is the consensus No. 1 team in the country with a flawless record and strong resume. It has won each of its last four games by at least 21 points, including a 39-18 win over Maryland in Week 11.
In advance of the opening coin toss, each team released its final injury status report. There are several notable updates, including Oregon missing two of its top players:
Wisconsin injury report
OUT: RB Chez Mellusi (for season), QB Tyler Van Dyke (for season), WR Joseph Griffin (for season), S Kamo’i Latu, OL Evan Brown, OL Leyton Nelson, TE Rob Booker, DL James Thompson Jr.
OUT: EDGE Jordan Burch, DB Jahlil Florence, DB Khamari Terrell, WR Tez Johnson, WR Kyler Kasper, OL Marcus Harper, OL Matthew Bedford, DL My’keil Gardner
QUESTIONABLE: None
Wisconsin WR Bryson Green injury update
Badgers veteran receiver Bryson Green appears poised for his first game action since suffering a lower-body injury in Wisconsin’s Oct. 5 win over Purdue.
Oregon WR Tez Johnson injury update
Tez Johnson went down with a shoulder injury during Oregon’s win over Michigan a few weeks ago. The injury is not considered season-ending, but he isn’t ready for Saturday’s contest.
Oregon edge Jordan Burch injury update
Oregon star defensive end Jordan Burch injured his ankle in the Ducks’ win over Maryland and will miss the Wisconsin matchup.
Wisconsin WR Tyrell Henry injury update
Wisconsin WR and kick returner Tyrell Henry is questionable for the Oregon game after missing several weeks due to injury. S Hunter Wohler has handled punt return duties in his absence.
Wisconsin and Oregon will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
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The result carries significant weight, but so does the Badgers’ form in the win. The team crossed the 100-point mark against a power conference opponent for the first time since 1993. It was an offensive display that would’ve seemed impossible for previous Wisconsin teams — even from those just a few years ago.
Everything about the win is a direct testament to the job done by Greg Gard leading the program forward amid changes to the sport’s landscape.
First, the Badgers attempted 27 3-pointers and 25 2-pointers, making 12 and 13, respectively. That new analytics-driven offensive approach has revolutionized the offense, a portion of the program that was in disarray as recently as two years ago. Gard’s hire of assistant Kirk Penney and willingness to evolve are at the heart of the change.
Next, Gard continues to score big by landing underrated players in the transfer portal. Last year, it was A.J. Storr and Max Klesmit. This year, John Tonje already looks like the steal of the offseason. His 41 points and program-record 21 free throws on 22 attempts powered Wisconsin’s win. Despite losing high-profile players Storr and Chucky Hepburn to the portal, Gard has given a blueprint of how traditionally-developmental programs can thrive in the current era.
Third, Wisconsin is still defined by its same identity, led by a culture of player development and buy-in. Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee embody that culture. McGee especially, who joined the Badgers after one year at UW-Green Bay without any playing time assurances. He’s taken substantial leaps each season and is now a key cog in the team’s rotation.
While it sounds cliche, that identity of development flies directly in the face of the modern age of the sport. But it has always defined Wisconsin basketball, and continues to do so.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard is shown during the second half of their game Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.Unranked Wisconsin upset Arizona 103-88. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Gard has done more to improve the program than just those three focuses listed. But when discussing why Wisconsin scored 103 points in a signature win over No. 9 Arizona, those three are driving reasons — a new-age offensive approach, effective transfer portal recruiting and the same culture of development.
In other words, Gard recognized where the program had fallen behind after it missed the 2023 NCAA Tournament (offense). He rebuilt the offense that offseason, leading to a top-25 unit in 2023-24. Early signs in 2024-25 point to even further improvement. He’s done it all while maintaining Wisconsin’s age-old identity.
The football program should take notice of the basketball program’s success.
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh took a big risk in shaking up the program by hiring up-and-coming coach Luke Fickell in 2022. That hire still makes sense, even with the benefit of hindsight. Fickell was among the hottest names in the profession, was succeeding at a Group of Five school and had extensive Big Ten ties. Gard’s success doesn’t make McIntosh’s hire of Fickell the wrong one.
It does, however, highlight the key differences between the programs.
Fickell’s subsequent hire of coordinator Phil Longo took Wisconsin away from its classic form and approach. The offense hasn’t taken a step forward since the hire. If anything, it’s regressed.
The same can arguably said for Mike Tressel’s defense.
The Badgers’ 42-10 loss at Iowa (329 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per carry allowed) in Week 10 was an unfortunate signal of what those changes have allowed — a further departure from the classic identity that built the program in the first place.
Wisconsin basketball made forward-thinking changes with its offensive plan. Those changes made the program an even more attractive destination for the exact type of players it needs — talented wing scorers. Tonje embodies that role. Importantly, these are players Wisconsin clearly has the ability to land; it has landed several in a row with Johnny Davis, Storr and now Tonje.
Most importantly, amid that plan to grow and evolve, the program’s identity didn’t change.
Wisconsin football attempted those same changes, designed to make the program an attractive destination for the nation’s top talent. The problem: Wisconsin doesn’t land that top talent. Longo’s offense likely will not reach its heights unless Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, Travis Hunter, Drake Maye or Arch Manning walk through the door. That just isn’t a very realistic outcome.
Then in attempting those changes, the program appears to have sacrificed its age-old identity. Fans of the current football coaching staff or not, it’s hard to argue against that reality. Barry Alvarez himself didn’t argue it when given the chance on radio last week.
So whatever follows this offseason, coaching changes or not, Wisconsin football should take notes from the basketball program. Evolving doesn’t just mean changing, it means finding ways to grow on the same foundation upon which the house is built.
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