Tag: UW football

FAU fires potential Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator candidate

FAU fires potential Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator candidate

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.

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

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.

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 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 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.

Luke Fickell clarifies Badgers starting quarterback moving forward

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.

The update also arrives the day after Wisconsin fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

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.

Wisconsin welcomed two Badger legends back to Camp Randall for game vs. No. 1 Oregon

Wisconsin welcomed two Badger legends back to Camp Randall for game vs. No. 1 Oregon

Wisconsin football welcomed a pair of iconic Badger alumni back to Camp Randall for its marquee matchup vs. No. 1 Oregon on Nov. 16.

2016 consensus First-team All-America team member Ryan Ramczyk served as UW’s honorary captain during the opening coin toss, while 2014 Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon was honored at halftime of the 16-13 loss.

Ramcyzk, who played offensive line at Wisconsin from 2015-16, started all 14 games of the 2016 season at left tackle for head coach Paul Chryst. He was selected with the No. 32 overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.

He has been sidelined for the entire 2024 season with the Saints after starting in all 101 of his appearances with New Orleans from 2017-2023.

Gordon, meanwhile, was honored to a chorus of applause during the first quarter. Wisconsin took time to celebrate the former Badger on the 10-year anniversary of his 408-yard explosion against Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014.

In 2014, Gordon wrapped up his final year in Madison with 2,587 rushing yards. He was picked No. 15 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers before making a pair of Pro Bowls in 2016 and 2018.

Even though the Badgers dropped the contest to the Ducks in nail-biting fashion, the team’s commitment to honoring its alumni is evident. The team also took time to celebrate Heisman winner Ron Dayne in its game vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide earlier this season.

Wisconsin will be back in action on Nov. 23 vs. the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln.

WATCH: The play that decided Oregon’s win over Wisconsin

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.

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun delivered another signature performance for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

After being named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, Baun captained the Eagles defense to its sixth straight win in a 26-18 victory over the division rival Washington Commanders.

Baun recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection in the triumph. He also denied Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels from moving the chains on a key fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter.

Down 12-10 at the Eagles’ 26-yard line, Washington elected to go for it on the short fourth-down sequence with hopes of reaching the end zone and shaving time off the clock. Daniels fielded the snap and scrambled to the right before Baun fended off an offensive lineman and executed the tackle.

Here’s the full play:

On the season, Baun has now recorded 102 total tackles, an NFL-best 64 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception.

The season for Baun is nothing short of incredible. In four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun notched just 88 total tackles. In just one season, he has suddenly turned into one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL.

Baun will be back in action on Nov. 24 when the Eagles face off against the Los Angeles Rams.

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive tackle commit named Ohio D-4 Defensive Player of the Year

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive tackle commit named Defensive Player of the Year

Wisconsin class of 2025 defensive tackle commit Drayden Pavey was named Ohio D4 Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday.

Pavey, who pledged his commitment to UW on Oct. 22, earned the nod after a dominant senior season with Taft High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The class of 2025 prospect registered 87 total tackles, 52 solo tackles 11.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery in 11 games during his final high school season.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound recruit flipped to the Badgers roughly three months after initially committing to Purdue. He became Wisconsin’s 24th commitment of its 2025 cohort, a bunch that On3 currently considers the eighth-best in the Big Ten.

247Sports currently ranks the three-star defensive tackle as the No. 737 overall player in the class of 2024, the No. 85 player at his position and the No. 29 recruit from his home state of Ohio. Pavey is the fourth defensive linemen in Wisconsin’s class of 2025 alongside three-stars Torin Pettaway, Wilnerson Telemaque and Xavier Ukponu.

Pavey’s spectacular output at Taft should certainly encourage Badger fans. Given the program’s struggle to secure defensive line commitments early in the 2025 recruiting window, Pavey looks like he’s the real deal.

Wisconsin football offers four-star class of 2026 running back

Wisconsin football offers four-star class of 2026 running back

The Wisconsin Badgers extended an offer to top class of 2026 running back Amari Clemons on Tuesday.

The Badgers’ recruiting staff has been busy over the past few days. UW also extended offers to 2026 running backs Carsyn Baker and Jonathan Hatton Jr. this week — a pair of coveted four-star playmakers. Again, running back coach Devon Spalding captained the recruiting charge.

The junior at Marianna High School in Marianna, Florida is considered the No. 308 overall recruit, No. 24 running back and No. 50 player from Florida for the class of 2026 via the 247Sports composite rankings.

Outside of Wisconsin, the Florida product has received offers from eight programs, per 247Sports. That list includes Florida A&M, USF, Ole Miss, Miami, Kentucky,  Florida State, Florida and Auburn.

While 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals consider Clemons a three-star recruit, On3 categorizes the 5-foot-10, 187-pound running back as a four-star prospect. The outlet’s recruiting prediction machine also forecasts the Seminoles to secure a commitment from Clemons with nearly a 39% likelihood.

Wisconsin’s class of 2026 currently has two commitments — three-star QB Jarin Mock and three-star lineman Benjamin Novak.