For the second year in a row, Rohan Chakravarthi from Bucky’s 5th Quarter was kind enough to give us his thoughts and opinions about the Badgers in their 3rd year under Luke Fickell, the former talk of the town after his impressive record as the head coach at Cincinnati. Also feel free to head over to their site to check out my half of the Q&A with my thoughts on Bama.
1. When you and I talked a year ago, you were a bit disappointed with the early returns with Luke Fickell as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, but noted some optimism for the future based on recruiting success. After finishing the 2024 season 5-7 (you predicted 6-6) and then opening this season 2-0, how are you feeling about the job that Fickell is doing now?
It’s tough to say that last year wasn’t anything but a disappointment. Wisconsin ended the year 0-5, lost all three key rivalry games, and missed a bowl game for the first time in 22 years. On the field, Fickell has still disappointed, and this year will be crucial to see the program’s growth. But, from that recruiting perspective, his younger players are starting to see the field, and the potential is there. So, it’s still a wait-and-see.
2. Let’s talk QBs. Is there any chance Billy Edwards plays this week? And if not, is there reason for Alabama to fear Danny O’Neil? And, hey, is there any chance O’Neil supplants Edwards even once he’s back from injury?
At the moment, it’s probably an upward climb for Edwards to play this week, although I heard this week would be the earliest possibility for a return. He was working on the side as of Monday, according to Fickell, and will be seen as questionable heading into the week. As for O’Neil, he impressed in his first start with the Badgers, throwing for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, while completing 23 of 27 passes. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he plays through confidence and was especially good off play-action last week. I’m not sure O’Neil supplants Edwards after injury, but a good start against Alabama would make the conversation tough.
3. Last year, Cade Yacamelli impressed me enough in my study of Wisconsin that I remembered him this year. However, he’s only gotten a few touches in the first few games. What does this say about starting RB Dilin Jones? And how does OC Jeff Grimes plan to use the the rotation of backs?
Wisconsin has high confidence in its two 2024 four-star running backs, Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree. That’s why they didn’t go to the transfer portal after losing some numbers in the room. Jones is the clear 1A in the room, as he’s shown NFL-caliber talent as a runner. He has good speed, one-cut ability, and power to break tackles. But, the Badgers do rotate quite a bit, and Dupree and Yacamelli should both get ample snaps as well in a three-man rotation.
4. Speaking of Grimes, last year I wrote in my previews that I thought Phil Longo was a weird fit as an Air Raid offensive coordinator for the Badgers – and Longo wound up fired before the season ended. Is Grimes bringing back old school football to Madison?
He is, but in his own way. Grimes is looking to bring that smashmouth run-heavy style back to Wisconsin, but he still puts quite an emphasis on the pass game, looking to take vertical shots to stretch out defenses. The Badgers haven’t taken as many of those yet, which head coach Luke Fickell said needs to change, but Grimes has already looked like a great fit for the Badgers, and you can see the vision for what his offense could be in Madison.
5. Moving to defense, the Badgers have been nearly perfect in game 1, shutting out Miami (OH) and then only gave up a TD to Middle Tennessee on a short field after an interception. Obviously, opponent quality has to be taken into consideration, but it has still looked like a good unit. What part of the defense do you think can have the most success against Alabama, and what are you most worried the Tide will be able to exploit?
This defense looks much improved from the one Wisconsin had a year ago, as the Badgers sought to address their front seven to better defend the run. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is putting quite a bit on his secondary this season, and we saw some of the issues last week as the Badgers gave up three explosives on 1-on-1 go-balls up the sidelines. That’s an area Alabama could look to exploit with its receivers.
Additionally, the Badgers have looked better against the run, but they haven’t faced an opponent like Alabama yet. I’d think Alabama looks to open up the rushing attack
between the tackles and test Wisconsin there.
6. If one player on this team makes a game-changing play for the Badgers, who will it be?
If it’s on offense, look for the Badgers to get Trech Kekahuna in space for an explosive. Kekahuna took an end-around last week for a 61-yard rushing touchdown, which later set up a 14-yard Vinny Anthony rushing touchdown on a similar play. Wisconsin isn’t trying to put too much on O’Neil’s plate, so getting the ball to his top playmakers would be the way to go.
If it’s on defense, look for Mason Reiger to potentially get a sack (or a strip sack) off the edge. Reiger has been a force in the first two games off the edge for the Badgers, forcing pressures while also setting the edge well. Against an Alabama line that was somewhat shaky in Week 1, that could be his way to making an impact on this game.
7. Are there any true freshman who you have your eyes on as future stars?
Wisconsin is already playing quite a few true freshman, and a number of them are looking the part early. Offensively, one that shone throughout the offseason and is already getting snaps is four-star wide receiver Eugene Hilton, son of former NFL wideout T.Y. Hilton. Hilton caught a pass in the opener and forced a pass interference, and he has played 25 snaps in the first two games. Expect that to increase as the season goes along.
Defensively, though, there are quite a few. Linebacker Mason Posa only saw a handful of snaps at the end of the game in Week 2, but he already has the makings to be a star. He’s got great size for the position, moves very well sideline-to-sideline, and can rush the passer. One last name to throw out is edge rusher Nicolas Clayton, who has also played in the last two games. While he’ll need to bulk up a little more, Clayton has an elite get-off off the edge with good speed and bend against tackles.
8. I asked this last year and will ask again: How do you predict the season goes for Wisconsin, and would you consider that to be a success?
Before the season began, I predicted a 5-7 season for the Badgers, which I would view as understandable, but a slight disappointment, given the fact that they’d be missing a bowl game for the second consecutive year. At the moment, I see that prediction standing, although I may lean closer to the 4-8 side than I would to the 6-6 side. This weekend’s game will provide more clarity on where exactly the Badgers stand, but that’s where I’m thinking as of now, given the brutal schedule.
9. What’s your game prediction this week
I’ve got Alabama rolling 31-17. I think the Crimson Tide will be able to get some offense on the board and stay in control for a good part of the game. Wisconsin has been more aggressive this year, so I think they hunt for touchdowns more than field goals, but Alabama seems like a tough matchup at this time of the year. So, give me the Crimson Tide.
