Luke Fickell reacts to Wisconsin fans storming the field after upset win vs. Washington

On Saturday, Wisconsin stunned No. 23 Washington in a 13-10 upset victory. Badgers fans celebrated their team’s first win in over two months by storming the field. After the game, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell revealed what it meant to him to see Wisconsin’s fans enjoying the moment.

“As they tugged on me, like they’re trying to protect me, I’m like, ‘I’m good, I’m good. I’m not going to run into anybody and ‘m not going to maybe recognize a face that wasn’t quite having that same opinion, you know, a little while ago.’ It’s that same emotion,” Fickell said.

“That’s the thing that you work so hard for, and it’s even better to see than to have it yourself, to be honest with you. And I know for our fans, they want nothing more than what we want. They might not have to work every single day, but they work in their own ways. And to see their excitement too is pretty special.”

The Badgers entered the contest Saturday on a six-game losing streak. While Wisconsin fans were elated to see their team win, they’ve been far from happy with Fickell this season.

When Wisconsin trailed Maryland 20-0 at halftime in Week 4, fans chanted “Fire Fickell.” At the time, Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh supported Fickell. That support reached a crescendo last week when he announced Fickell would be returning as Wisconsin’s head coach next season.

On Saturday, Fickell rewarded McIntosh for his trust. Wisconsin’s defense was incredible in the win, holding Washington to 251 total yards of offense and squeezing two turnovers out of the Huskies.

Wisconsin only amassed 205 yards of offense itself, but showed extreme discipline, only being called for three penalties in the triumph. Additionally, the Badgers’ offense had no turnovers. Luke Fickell couldn’t be more grateful for Chris McIntosh’s support during the tumultuous season.

“I have an incredible appreciation and respect for Chris McIntosh, what he has had to do,” Fickell said. “There’s mixed emotions on my part, to be honest with you. I don’t ever want somebody to fight my battles, but I understand that that’s where we are. I can’t say thank you enough to Chris for fighting the battle he’s fighting, and for Chancellor (Jennifer) Mnookin to listen and believe.”

On Saturday, Wisconsin will face another enormous challenge when it squares off against Indiana at 11 a.m. CT. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network.