Let’s find out more about a university that produced top running backs like Melvin Gordon, Ron Dayne, and Montee Ball in the past!
Better Know A B1G Q&A: Wisconsin Badgers
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Our final stop on our “Better Know A B1G” series takes us to Madison, Wisconsin and the Badgers! Rohan Chakravarthi of SB Nation’s Wisconsin site Bucky’s 5th Quarter was kind enough to answer a few questions about Badgers athletics, so without further ado, let’s learn more about a school that was once notable for churning out elite running backs including Ron Dayne, Montee Ball, and Melvin Gordon!
UWDP: For years, Wisconsin was known for a run heavy offensive attack, featuring some of the greatest running backs to ever play the college game. However, last year, incoming coach Luke Fickell hired Phil Longo as offensive coordinator, bringing the air raid to Madison. How have you and other Wisconsin fans adjusted to a polar opposite offensive style?
B5Q: The addition of offensive coordinator Phil Longo was a significant change for Wisconsin, given his notable “Air Raid” offense. While the initial reaction was definitely one of surprise, the offense isn’t entirely what you’d expect an Air Raid offense to be. One of Longo’s biggest strengths as an offensive coordinator is his run game concepts, which you could see unravel in Year 1 with the Badgers. Now, the offensive style had its bumps, as Wisconsin never really took off on that end last year, as the shotgun-heavy playcalling does have its limitations. Ultimately, it was a major change and one that’s still in wait-and-see mode as we head into Year 2 with Longo.
ReliaQuest Bowl – Wisconsin v LSU
UWDP: What are your expectations for year 2 under Luke Fickell, after a 7-6 season last year?
B5Q: Last year didn’t meet the standards that Fickell and his coaching staff had set for the team, as there were ups and downs, leading to a 7-6 record (including the bowl game). This year, the Badgers are definitely a better team on paper, addressing several key needs in the transfer portal that fit the style of play that Wisconsin wants on both sides of the ball. However, the schedule they have is now significantly harder, as the Badgers have matchups against Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, Iowa, and USC this season.
As I result, I expect an improvement in play, but I’m wary about how much of an improvement in record Wisconsin will get with their current schedule. Truly, their success depends on how the quarterback position plays this year, as the surrounding pieces are strong on both sides of the ball. I see the highest ceiling for this team being 10 wins, while the lowest floor is around six wins. Ultimately, I think a realistic outcome for Year 2, however, is around 7-8 wins for Wisconsin.
UWDP:On the hardwood, the Badger men are led by Greg Gard, a former Bo Ryan assistant, going into his 10th year at the helm. What do you make of the job he has done since Ryan’s retirement, which has included 6 tournament appearances? On the women’s side, the Badgers are led by Marisa Moseley, going into her 4th season. She has seen steady improvement in terms of record, earning a berth to the Women’s NIT last season. What do you think of the job she has done?
B5Q: Gard is one of the more polarizing coaches in the Big Ten, as his defensive-minded style doesn’t always sit well with fans. Additionally, while he has gotten good results in the Big Ten, being the regular season champions twice and making six NCAA berths, Gard has struggled in the postseason, failing to go past the second round in his last four appearances after making the Sweet Sixteen in his first two seasons.
Ultimately, I believe he’s a sharp-minded coach that is overhated by fans, but the results need to start showing, specifically in the postseason, which will only become tougher with increased competition.
Marisa Moseley came over looking to revamp the Badgers program after a successful stint at Boston, and that process has come with its ups and downs. The transfer portal has only made it more chaotic, but it seemed like last season was a big step forward for Moseley and the Badgers, with the steady improvement being a key. This process will require some more patience, but Moseley answered the bell last year and will look to make another step this year.
UWDP: As far as rivalries go, Wisconsin’s rivalry with Minnesota is among the most famous in all of college sports, with the winner receiving Paul Bunyan’s axe. Aside from that, are there any other rivalries that Wisconsin has that Washington fans might not know about?
B5Q: In addition to the rivalry with Minnesota, Wisconsin has a rivalry with the Iowa Hawkeyes, with the winner receiving the Heartland Trophy. This rivalry has been longstanding, with the Badgers leading the series 49-46-2, including 10-8 since the trophy was awarded. When the new Big Ten was created, several rivalries were protected, and Wisconsin had both its major rivalries protected.
Wisconsin also has a rivalry with Nebraska for the Freedom Trophy, which they lead the series 13-4 and 9-0 since the trophy was awarded. This rivalry is relatively new, as it only continued when Nebraska joined the Big Ten from the Big 12 back in 2011.
UWDP: Aside from football, basketball and hockey, does Wisconsin have any other sports that they are really good at?
B5Q: The Badgers have an elite women’s hockey team that has been in the championship conversation on a yearly basis recently, while their men’s hockey team had a strong year in 2023 after hiring head coach Mike Hastings to run their program.
They also have a stellar volleyball team, led by head coach Kelly Sheffield, competing as one of the top teams in the country over the last few years as well.
Thank you Rohan, and thank you to all the teams that we covered throughout the past few months! It’s going to be a great season and I wish the Badgers and every Big Ten team (except Oregon) good luck!