Bucky's 5th Quarter
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Film Review: Was Mike Tressel the problem vs. UCLA?
The Badgers’ 7-17 loss to UCLA sparked criticism of defensive coordinator Mike Tressel after backup QB Ty Dieffenbach threw for 264 yards. While Wisconsin’s front seven limited the run, the secondary’s miscommunication on third downs allowed UCLA to convert 13 of 20 attempts and dominate time of possession. A drive‑by‑drive film review highlights missed assignments by players like Aaron Witt and Cairo Skanes, blown coverage on screens, and ineffective blitzes, suggesting Tressel’s schemes struggled to disrupt Dieffenbach’s passing attack. The analysis sets up the upcoming matchup against USC, questioning whether adjustments can fix the defensive lapses.
Badgers senior guard among 76 players to get eligibility after California judge grants injunction
Senior guard Braeden Carrington joins 75 other seniors granted a fifth year of eligibility after a California judge issued an injunction in the Glancey v. NCAA case. The Badgers, who have operated with 14 players this offseason, add Carrington—who averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and hit a career‑high 32‑point, nine‑three game against Washington—to an already crowded backcourt that includes transfers Owen Foxwell, Trey Autry, and freshman prospect Jackson Ball. While Jack Janicki starts at shooting guard in exhibition games, Carrington could earn a starter role or remain the primary sixth man as Wisconsin prepares for the 2026 season.
Everything Kelly Sheffield said about transfer portal window, upcoming week ahead of Washington, Michigan
Coach Kelly Sheffield praises Wisconsin’s recent 13‑5 (7‑1 Big Ten) stretch, highlighting wins over Maryland and Iowa and the team’s rise to No. 4 in the NCAA Top 16 rankings. He lauds standout performances from Jaela Auguste, Lynney Tarnow, Decelise Champion, Anna Bardaro and Kristen Simon. Looking ahead, Sheffield previews the upcoming matchups with Washington and Michigan. He also addresses the transfer‑portal window, calling it a source of stress for athletes still in competition and urging the D‑I Council to shorten or shift the period to after the season—mirroring other winter sports—so players can focus on the NCAA Tournament. The interview underscores Wisconsin’s momentum and the push for portal reforms.
Report: Wisconsin in negotiations with Colton Joseph for 2027 season
Wisconsin is already in talks to keep dual‑threat quarterback Colton Joseph for the 2027 season, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Joseph, who arrived via the transfer portal, has posted 1,198 passing yards, 10 TDs, five picks and 333 rushing yards with four scores this year, but his 54.7% completion rate and inconsistent play, highlighted in a 17‑7 loss, have raised concerns. The Badgers also added freshman four‑star Ryan Hopkins, who appears set as Joseph’s backup, and transfer Deuce Adams. With other programs like Louisville, Nebraska and West Virginia renegotiating with their own transfer QBs, Wisconsin’s decision could shape the quarterback market’s next "musical chairs" cycle.
Fickell: Wisconsin sent in 17 to 19 plays on potential officiating mistakes
Wisconsin fell 17-7 to No. 12 UCLA, but head coach Luke Fickell spent Monday dissecting a slew of controversial calls that many believe swung the game. The Badgers endured 18 flags, including a questionable unsportsmanlike‑conduct penalty on quarterback Colton Joseph’s celebration and a disputed blind‑side block on Malachi Coleman that Fickell argues should not have been penalized. Fickell noted the team submitted far more plays for review than usual—about 17 to 19—highlighting inconsistencies in officiating and calling for clearer discipline standards across the league. The debate over these calls now dominates the post‑game narrative.
Can Wisconsin upset USC this weekend?
The Wisconsin Badgers travel to Camp Randall this weekend to face the USC Trojans after a 17-7 defeat by UCLA. Entering as 2.5‑point underdogs, the Badgers aim to rebound against an explosive USC offense that is 6-1 but has posted close, underwhelming wins (25-21 over Washington, 31-23 over Penn State, 42-35 over Rutgers). USC’s defense remains porous despite a new coordinator, and head coach Lincoln Riley faces scrutiny. Both teams need a win to stay on track for playoff hopes, prompting a fan poll on whether Wisconsin can pull off the upset.
Final takeaways from Wisconsin’s offensive struggles vs. UCLA: Jeff Grimes needs to figure a few things out
In a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, Wisconsin’s offense sputtered, highlighting two critical flaws that coach Jeff Grimes must address before upcoming games against USC and Iowa. The Badgers abandoned successful edge runs—jet sweeps and outside zones that previously yielded over 5.5 yards per carry—in favor of less effective interior attacks, dropping to just 3.6 yards per carry. Additionally, they failed to incorporate hot routes against UCLA’s aggressive blitzes, leaving quarterback Colton Joseph under pressure on 14 of 21 dropbacks and resulting in four sacks and a missed 45-yard field goal. The piece argues that fixing these schematic issues is essential for Wisconsin’s postseason hopes.
Everything Luke Fickell said ahead of USC game
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell reflects on the 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA and outlines his plan for Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff against No. 16 USC at Camp Randall. He stresses eliminating undisciplined play, cutting penalties, and finding offensive rhythm, while praising the team’s fourth‑quarter effort and versatility of players like starter Stylz Blackmon and edge rushers Tyreese Fearbry, Justus Boone, and Mike Garner. Fickell urges his Badgers to stay humble, learn from the defeat, and improve each week as they face a tougher conference opponent.
Should the Badgers be underdogs vs. USC?
After a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, the Wisconsin Badgers (4‑2) travel to face No. 16 USC (6‑1) on Sept. 24 at Camp Randall. Despite a shaky offensive showing against UCLA—Colton Joseph threw only 66 yards—the Badgers’ defense remains stout. USC, fresh off wins over Washington (25-21) and Penn State (31-23), averages 25‑30 points per game, but its defense is still a question under new coordinator Gary Patterson. Betting lines list USC as 2.5‑point favorites with a 50.5 total, suggesting a close, high‑scoring contest. A Badgers win would boost them to 5‑2 before a crucial Iowa matchup.
Where is Wisconsin ranked in Big Ten preseason poll?
The Big Ten preseason media poll released by the Columbus Dispatch places Wisconsin at No. 11, slipping from a seventh‑place finish last year and out of the AP Top 25. Illinois leads the poll (18 first‑place votes), followed by Michigan State and Michigan. The Badgers, who entered the previous season at No. 24 in the AP Top 25, have not received any votes this year, marking their lowest preseason ranking under coach Greg Gard since the 2022‑23 season when they fell to 11th and missed the NCAA tournament. With a fresh roster, Wisconsin aims to defy expectations in a talent‑laden conference.
Week 7 Offense Film Review: Once again, too many plays left on the table
In a painfully ineffective outing, Wisconsin’s offense mustered only seven points against a stout UCLA defense on Oct. 17 at the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Colton Joseph finished 6‑of‑16 for just 66 yards, and the Badgers converted only 3 of 10 on third down. The film review breaks down three drives riddled with missed blocks, poor route timing and questionable play‑calling, highlighting key lapses such as a blown zone‑read, an ill‑timed play‑action that left Jacob Harris double‑covered, and a missed bubble screen on third‑and‑10. The analysis underscores how numerous execution errors left too many scoring chances wasted.
Why this weekend’s game vs. USC is just as or even bigger than UCLA game for Wisconsin
After a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, the Wisconsin Badgers face No. 16 USC at Camp Randall on Saturday. Sitting 4-2, the Badgers have already been beaten only by the No. 1 and No. 9 teams, and a win over USC would be a clean marquee victory—unlike the UCLA loss, which involved a backup quarterback. USC, now 6-1, offers a high‑octane offense against Wisconsin’s elite defense, making this primetime matchup as crucial as the UCLA game. A victory could push Wisconsin to a 10-2 or 9-3 season and revive playoff hopes, while a loss could raise serious questions about the program’s direction.
Wisconsin outside of Top 40 teams in preseason polls
The Wisconsin Badgers receive no votes in this year’s preseason AP Poll, placing them outside the top 40 teams nationwide and well behind fellow Big Ten programs. While Illinois lands at No. 3, Michigan State at No. 6, and Michigan at No. 16, Wisconsin’s new roster—featuring transfers Owen Foxwell, Eian Elmer, Trey Autry, Victory Onetu and several freshmen—must prove itself. Existing contributors include Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, Braeden Carrington, Zach Kinziger, Will Garlock, Hayden Jones, and Jack Janicki. The poll underscores skepticism about the Badgers' outlook as they head into a season with a revamped lineup.
Four true freshmen make Badgers travel roster
Four true freshmen earn spots on the Wisconsin Badgers’ travel roster for the upcoming road game against No. 12 UCLA. Quarterback Ryan Hopkins, who is battling for the backup role behind starter Colton Joseph, wide receiver Kash Brock, tight end Jack Sievers, and cornerback Donovan Dunmore all make the trip. Hopkins has already seen relief action in two blowouts, Dunmore moves into the No. 2 boundary corner spot after an injury to Cai Bates, and Sievers and Dunmore are slated for special‑team reps per coach Luke Fickell. The Badgers’ modest 2026 recruiting class of 13 freshmen makes these four selections notable.
Wisconsin seen as top four seed in 1st NCAA committee in season ranking
The Wisconsin Badgers sit at No. 6 in the latest AVCA Top 25 but are projected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA committee’s first in‑season ranking, landing at No. 4 overall behind Nebraska, Pitt and Kentucky. Riding a 13‑5 record (7‑1 Big Ten) and recent wins over Iowa, Louisville, Florida and Oregon, the Badgers earned the committee’s nod for their tough non‑conference slate that includes Kentucky, Stanford, Texas and upcoming matchups with UCLA, Penn State and Washington. Their strong schedule and head‑to‑head victories keep them in control of a top‑four seed heading into the final regular‑season month.
Wisconsin reveals depth chart for Week 8 vs. USC
Fresh off a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, Wisconsin posts a Week 8 depth chart ahead of its primetime clash with No. 16 USC. Health improves as wideout Jaylon Domingeaux returns from a hand injury and makes his season debut, while running back Abu Sama clears to play and Darrion Dupree keeps the lead role. On the O-line, Austin Kawecki remains out with a broken hand, prompting Stylz Blackmon to shift to center and PJ Wilkins to start at guard. Defensive standouts include Hammond Russell on the line and linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, each logging 77 snaps. The chart, provided by Mark Stewart of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, highlights key starters and rotations as the Badgers seek redemption at Camp Randall.
Badgers get Big Noon Kickoff for major rivalry game on Halloween
The Big Ten’s Week 9 schedule places Wisconsin’s rivalry with No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Noon Kickoff slot on Halloween morning at 11:00 a.m. CST on FOX, following a primetime clash with No. 16 USC at 6:30 p.m. on NBC. The Badgers have already enjoyed four evening games this season and now face a pivotal road test that could define their year, as they still need a win before the final stretch against Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue and Minnesota.
Badgers grades, snap counts on defense from Week 7 vs. UCLA: Did the defense actually play poorly?
The Wisconsin Badgers fell 17-7 to the No. 9 UCLA Bruins, a loss that left them out of the AP Top 25. While the offense sputtered, the defense excelled against the run, holding star RB Wayne Knight to 23 yards on 13 carries. However, pass defense faltered, allowing 13 third‑down conversions and 37 minutes of UCLA possession. The article breaks down snap counts and PFF grades: DL standout Junior Poyser (77.2), OLB Tyreese Fearbry (71.3) and Sebastian Cheeks (67.7) posted modest pressures, while LB Mason Posa (77.6) led with five pressures and seven tackles. CBs Jai’mier Scott (63.3) and Bryce West (66.9) faced heavy targeting, with West surrendering seven catches for 85 yards. The piece questions whether the defense truly played poorly despite the loss.
Badgers grades, snap counts on offense from Week 7 vs. UCLA: A lot of players struggled
The Wisconsin Badgers fall 17-7 to No. 12 UCLA, seeing their offense sputter in Week 7. QB Colton Joseph throws just 6 of 16 for 66 yards, rated a 45.6 PFF grade, and is blitzed on 16 of 21 dropbacks. Running backs Darrion Dupree (20 yards) and Abu Sama III (34 yards) combine for 12 carries, while the receiving corps records no more than two catches each and earns low grades, highlighted by Malachi Coleman’s 42.8 rating after a dropped TD‑bound pass. Tight ends and the offensive line also post modest grades, with center Stylz Blackmon at 46.8 and PJ Wilkins at 57.9, underscoring protection and run‑blocking woes. The detailed snap counts and grades reveal why Wisconsin struggles to move the ball against elite defenses.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Game Thread: 10 game win streak over Iowa on the line
Fresh off a sweep over the Maryland Terrapins, the Wisconsin Badgers are taking on the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road on Sunday afternoon, with first serve set for 1:00 p.m. in Iowa City. Wisconsin cruised through their first match of the week, beating Maryland 25-18, 25-23, 25-18. It was a strong all-around performance, as Decelise […]
Everything Luke Fickell said after Badgers loss to UCLA
The Wisconsin Badgers fell 17-7 to the No. 12 UCLA Bruins on the road on Saturday on a day where nothing seemed to go their way. Wisconsin struggled offensively, with Colton Joseph throwing for just 66 passing yards. Defensively, while the Badgers were exceptional against the run, they could not get off the field on […]
3 quick takeaways from Badgers loss to UCLA: Wisconsin gets outcoached in disappointing outing
The Wisconsin Badgers dropped their second game of the season in a 17-7 loss to the No. 12 UCLA Bruins on Saturday, as they fell to 4-2 and 2-1 in conference play. It was a very disappointing outing for the Badgers, who had plenty of opportunities on both sides of the ball, but could not […]
Recap: Badgers can’t take advantage of opportunities in loss to UCLA
The Wisconsin Badgers suffered a 17-7 loss on the road to the No. 12 UCLA Bruins in a game where they struggled with penalties and couldn’t get off the field defensively. The defeat dropped them to 4-2 on the season and took away their chance at potentially being ranked next week after they were the […]
Wisconsin Badgers vs. UCLA Bruins Game Thread: Are we in for a defensive showdown?
The Wisconsin Badgers take on No. 12 UCLA Bruins in California on Saturday evening. Game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on NBC. Follow along with us here all game. Week 7 of the college football season has already started to have its fireworks, with several major upsets happening, including Auburn over […]
Badgers bounce back from loss to Nebraska with sweep
Coming off their loss to the No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers, the No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers took care of business at home, beating the Maryland Terrapins 25-18, 25-23, 25-18 in a sweep of their own. Wisconsin fought hard in the Nebraska loss, and head coach Kelly Sheffield was pleased with his team’s performance afterwards. Even with […]
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