“High Stakes and Heated Debates: Wisconsin Fans Question Fickell’s Bold Fourth Down Calls!”
Wisconsin football has traditionally been known for its tough, run-oriented approach, overpowering opponents with a strong offensive line and formidable running backs year after year.
However, the Badgers’ current offense looks drastically different, leaving fans frustrated as they witness the ongoing changes week after week, including concerns from some of its most celebrated alumni.
A recent highlight of this frustration was Wisconsin’s 38-21 defeat to USC in their Big Ten opener. While there were several costly mistakes across all phases of the game, one particular play has fans especially upset.
With the Badgers leading 21-17 and pushing into USC territory in the third quarter, Wisconsin faced a 4th and 1 at the USC 33-yard line. Instead of attempting a long field goal, they decided to go for it.
Fans were again puzzled by their formation. For the second consecutive game requiring just a yard, the Badgers lined up in a shotgun formation. Much like in the Alabama game, Wisconsin’s offense struggled to make it work.
On Saturday, running back Tawee Walker received the ball from quarterback Braedyn Locke, but USC defenders quickly closed in. The Trojans took over the ball, and after nine plays, they scored a touchdown to take the lead and control of the game.
Former Wisconsin star JJ Watt expressed his frustration two weeks ago on Twitter, stating, “Do not line up in shotgun on 4th & 1. Ever.” He retweeted that sentiment after it happened again.
Do not line up in shotgun on 4th & 1.
Ever.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 14, 2024
Social media echoed Watt’s sentiments, and fans are left questioning why Wisconsin isn’t aggressively running the ball against defenses, particularly against one that had the second-worst rushing defense in the Big Ten coming into the game.
Dear Luke Fickell,
Please no more shotgun formation on fourth and short. Sincerely,
Your entire fan base. #badgers
— Mark Mintman (@MarkMintman) September 28, 2024
When Luke Fickell was hired I thought he’d take a team that did the little things well, and make them more disciplined and execute at a higher level.
A year and a half in we’ve regressed in every phase of the game. Get Longo and Tressel out, and play modern smash mouth football
— Wisconsin Homer (@wisconsintakes) September 28, 2024
Wisconsin running shotgun on 4th and 1 is such a joke.
Offense has been a complete disappointment today and it’s ruining a great chance to beat a USC team having a bad day. #cfb
— Reagan (@SportsFanHoov) September 28, 2024
One of these days, Wisconsin is going to learn that on 4th and 1, you shouldn't go to shotgun and hike the ball five yards behind the line. But today is not that day.
— Christian Schneider (@Schneider_CM) September 28, 2024
Luke Fickell gets criticism over Wisconsin football’s loss to USC
When Luke Fickell was hired as Wisconsin’s football coach in late 2022, there was a lot of excitement. Then, with the addition of offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his Air Raid offense, expectations soared for the Badgers’ offensive performance.
However, the team struggled to score throughout the disappointing 2023 season, and this trend has largely continued into 2024, with Wisconsin ranking among the lowest in scoring offenses nationwide.
After an impressive 63-yard touchdown pass on their first possession, hope was high. They led 21-10 at halftime, aided by three turnovers from USC. Unfortunately, the Badgers were blanked in the second half as USC went on to score 28 points without reply.
Fans have had enough.
USC scores the final 28 points.#Badgers still haven't defeated a ranked opponent since 2021. pic.twitter.com/WBN6RdmkZC
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 28, 2024