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The air raid experience Wisconsin could be done.
Luc Fickell attempted a massive shift in Wisconsin football’s identity by bringing in an offensive coordinator Phil Longo. But it ended after less than two years, with a sputtering offense that left Badgers fans scratching their heads.
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The offense has failed to reach 300 total yards in the last three games and is currently 11th in the Big Ten in scoring average. Fickell told reporters this week that he understands what the program is good for and what its identity is.
“I think we understand and recognize where the strength of our program lies, and that is on the offensive line, and we have to continue to build on what that is and move them forward,” Fickell said. “It won’t change, it shouldn’t change. And wherever I am, I wouldn’t want that to change.
Two different thoughts come to mind after hearing Fickell say this.
First, if he understood that to be the strength of the program, why even go for a Wisconsin version of the air raid? The amount of work it will take to transform Wisconsin from a team that makes plays and wins on defense to a team that spreads the field is enormous.
This also goes against the Badgers’ bread and butter when it comes to recruiting.
Wisconsin has long been a program that recruits under-the-radar offensive linemen from the state. Then pair them (after good development) with an East Coast running back and an elite defense. It’s a recipe for tough, physical football that wears out opponents and works in the Big Ten. The soul of the program was changed and Fickell has been fighting ever since.
Second, this whole situation sounds so much like what happened to the program Wisconsin will play this weekend. Nebraska I experienced exactly this many years ago when Bill Callahan took over the program, switched to the West Coast offense, which started a slide the Huskers are still trying to completely reverse. In all honesty, Bo Pelini brought the Huskers back to a competitive level with a consistent nine-win schedule, but Nebraska then attempted to move away from its roots again with Mike Riley. Sometimes it helps to be okay with exactly what your program is and isn’t.
So how can Fickell climb out of this hole and bring Wisconsin back into the Big Ten conversation? How does Wisconsin avoid becoming another Nebraska?
It’s going to start with this offensive coordinator hire. This is now the most critical decision of the Fickell era at Wisconsin. It would be wise to find a coordinator who can help leverage the natural strengths of the Badgers program.
Fickell’s entire tenure in Wisconsin may hinge on this.
