The Wisconsin Badgers walked into their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes this weekend looking to take over as potential favorites to win the Big Ten West division. Unfortunately for Luke Fickell’s team, it just wasn’t in the cards.
Iowa came into the week with Deacon Hill, a former Wisconsin Badger, at the helm after an injury to starter Cade McNamara. It was a test for the Badgers, but one that they should have won, but the offense just couldn’t get going in the 15-6 loss on Saturday.
The fans took to social media, and rightfully so, to air their frustrations about a team that looks like it’s lost an offensive identity with the changes at the helm.
Wisconsin Badgers Fans React to the Offense
The offense could only muster 6 points, with Tanner Mordecai going down with an injury and Braedyn Locke under center combining for 228 yards. Phil Longo was unable to switch gears with the Iowa Hawkeyes holding Braelon Allen under 100 yards, as well.
Even though the Badgers put up more yards than the Hawkeyes (324-237) and doubled them up on first downs (18-9), they still couldn’t find a way to put the ball in the end zone.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have scored more goals today than the Wisconsin Badgers football team scored today
— R. (@gullyblanchard) October 15, 2023
Wisconsin Badgers?? More like the Wisconsin BADgers! Folks,,,
— oyo (@BrettRichJ18) October 15, 2023
This is without a doubt the worst Wisconsin Badgers offense I have seen in I don’tknow how long. Scored 6 measly points at home against one of your main rivals. 8 punts, 1 turnover on downs, 1 fumble lost, 1 interception, 2 field goals, and 0 touchdowns. W-T-F
— Joe Collins (@Skol4Life215) October 15, 2023
Wisconsin Badgers offense has been lackluster for some years now. I mean yeah they pump out linemen and RBs, but that’s not what you need for sustained success. Boring to watch. Gotta put a better product out there.
— Bryan (@bry_the_fry) October 14, 2023
Mordecai can’t hit the fucking board side of a barn #WisconsinBadgers
— Packer Lover (@PackmanJon3s) October 14, 2023
Badgers fans have already seemingly found a target, and it was a promise of a better future for the team overall. It seems as though the Air Raid style offense that was highly touted by the hiring of Luke Fickell and Phil Longo has not stuck. It’s been frustrating to watch, and fans are already impatient considering the success that was already happening for the Badgers before the change.
I thought #WisconsinBadgers new head coach was supposed to be such an awesome head football coach that it was okay to toss overboard the previous head coach who was actually pretty good.
— Haz (@Michael_Haz) October 14, 2023
Googling if I can sue the Wisconsin Badgers / Phil Longo for false claims or false advertisements of an “Air Raid” offense
— Trenten Scheidegger (@TrentScheids) October 14, 2023
The 2023 Wisconsin Badgers:
Let’s pretend we’re a passing team.
Oh yeah, Braelon Allen is good at football.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) October 14, 2023
Did Phil Longo forget he can run the ball. Thia guy is horrible #wisconsinbadgers https://t.co/Ck7wRePTDo
— John D Peterson (@JdpWI7) October 14, 2023
Up Next for Badgers Football
The Wisconsin Badgers head to Illinois next week to face a 3-4 team that should be a cushy landing for a team that’s having clear identity issues. Unfortunately, we will have to wait for more updates surrounding quarterback Tanner Mordecai, as he left with an injury to his hand that may sideline him longer than Phil Longo and Luke Fickell would like.
Luke Fickell did not seem optimistic after the game: “I don’t know, it doesn’t look good for a little while,” Fickell said. “He couldn’t grip the ball. So we’ll have to make sure we find out what the deal is tomorrow and see how long that may last.”
With #Badgers starter Tanner Mordecai sidelined — it appeared his right arm was in a sling in the second half — Braedyn Locke takes over the offense. A start at ILL would be his first in college. https://t.co/fwVtF9VYHe
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 15, 2023
