Luke Fickell Recaps Wisconsin's 34-0 to Ohio State
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers‘ season of disappointment continued on Saturday with a 34-0 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. For the s”econd straight week, Luke Fickell and the Badgers were scoreless at home, marking yet another low point in his tenure.
Following the loss, Fickell spoke to the media. The head coach gave updates on a Badger injury and one rumor regarding NFL scouts.
Injuries Leave Wisconsin’s Lineup With Uncertainty
Wisconsin suffered a heap of injuries to key players against the Buckeyes. The most notable, mentioned by Fickell, was linebacker Christian Alliegro, who broke his arm in the first quarter. The junior was in a cast and managed to finish the game, to which Fickell gave credit.
“Christian Alliegro, in case you were wondering, broke his arm in the first quarter,” Fickell said. “He casted it up, and they said he can try to play if he wants, and I think he played every snap from there on out… Because he cares.”
Fickell also noted the injuries to Cade Yacamelli, who also ended up coming back into the game, as well as Dilin Jones and Kerry Kodanko, who did not return.
The coach did not provide an update on any players aside from Alliegro. For the majority of the press conference, Fickell talked about a lot of the younger players having hope. There was a lot to like about the freshmen who stepped up on both sides of the ball.
With the injuries taken into account, along with the opportunities already given to the younger players, perhaps they could receive even more time. They could continue and develop through what is likely a lost season.
Fickell Denies Rumor Regarding NFL Scouts
At the end of the press conference, Fickell was asked about a recent report that NFL scouts were denied from watching Wisconsin prospects practice. He immediately shut that rumor down, clarifying that it was a one-time instance.
“We have NFL scouts there almost every single day,” Fickell said. “I think one week we said, ‘Look, on Wednesdays, let’s not have a slew of guys.’ But no, they’re in the building, they’re able to ask. Maybe they can’t watch the whole practice on a Wednesday.
“But my goodness. We don’t even have much of a restriction… We’ve got other things to worry about, to get into some Bill Belichick-type of scouting situation. That’s the least of our worries.”
Wisconsin will hit the road for another game in a brutal October slate, facing No. 8 Oregon to close out the month.
