Do all those gigantic OLs hit the portal?I don't think so. The replacement is on staff.
Leo Chenal is headed to the NFL draft. Huge loss in the middle of the defense there.I’d kinda already written him off. Woulda loved him back, but just seemed like he was moving on.
I am very confused about all of these announcements, because of the covid year that didn't count. Michigan State had a kid announce for the draft, that basically equated to him saying he wasn't using his 6th year. He's not getting drafted, but he has a degree, and some kids don't feel like being a 24 year old college kids. Under normal circumstances, he'd just be done without having to announce it.Yeah, it’s odd.
Yeah, it’s odd.Yeah, sometimes 24 year olds are just ready to move on with life.
I saw a few where a sixth year guy wanted to say thanks for all the years but phrased it like “I’m going to the draft.”
Yeah, sometimes 24 year olds are just ready to move on with life.No, I meant the kids that were already done. They just have the staff give them a graphic because it's cool.
I get why they did it. They were worried too many guys would opt out of 2020 if they wound up missing a bunch of games, or games got cancelled due to COVID, and it burned a year of eligibility. But it really created a bad roster management situation going forward.
FB John Chenal not coming back for a 5th year. Gonna try to crack an NFL roster. I'm guessing he will do just that.I'm ... not the most concerned? I mean, if there's one thing I think UW can develop, it's a fullback.
Another big blow to the roster.
Less interested in Engram, though I'd be interested in how the staff shakes out.
Bobby Engram (Ravens TE coach) (Like this one, for OC. Son plays for UW too. Coached WR w/ PC at Pitt.)
Scott Tolzien (Cowboys offensive assistant) (Like this one too, for QB. Groom for OC. Played for PC at UW.)
Darrell Bevell (Jacksonville interim coach) (I don't believe this one at all, and would not like it if true.)
Rod Carey (last job was HC Temple) (Madison native. Played OL at IU. I'm kinda Meh here.)
Kenny Hill (QB TCU) (No thanks on this one.)
Why would Bevell leave the NFL to be an assistant coach in college ball? Don't see that.Yeah, I'm not even sure why Bevell was being mentioned by the writers. He doesn't strike me as a guy who'd want to recruit.
While he probably would have liked to be a head coach by now (he was an OC for the Vikings way back in 2007 IIRC), the NFL pays better and has better players. Why step down?
Tolzien seems like a nice fit and a decent opportunity for him. As a guy who had to work harder and rely less on talent, he seems like he could be the kind of person Mertz needs to listen to.
Yeah, I'm not even sure why Bevell was being mentioned by the writers. He doesn't strike me as a guy who'd want to recruit.Analyst? He’s past that now on the career ladder.
I would like to see Scott in Madison again, but not as an OC. A couple of years as a QB-focused analyst would be good.
[img width=361.81 height=281]https://videopostercdn.weigelbroadcasting.com/cbs58news/curburger%20a%20reality_1634141155-CBS58%20980x551.jpg?1634141196[/img]38% of UW fans are more psyched about this than Caleb Williams. Culver's fans ride hard for them.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/report-wisconsin-emerges-as-serious-contender-to-land-oklahoma-transfer-caleb-williams/ar-AAT8GtTWhat does "serious contender" mean? I assume what has been a top 15 program for two decades now is a serious contender for a lot of guys. My guess is this means "favorite", but writers don't want to get burned. And they know that most readers are too dumb to not be surprised that UW is a "serious contender", so they go with that, to still get clicks, but aren't wrong if he changes his mind.
I know some people are happy with all of this NIL and transfer shit, but here we are. This absolutely sucks. That UW was even in this thing makes me feel kinda dirty.The whole thing is just sad.
That's the spirit, kiddo.You wouldn't prefer he said 12/3 ?
(https://i.imgur.com/zJnOz97.png)
And they hire Mark D'Onofrio for the ILB job. Hasn't worked since being fired by Houston (DC/ILB) after the 2018 season. Houston choked up almost 500 points that year.Ehh. He’s a linebacker coach who did the job forever. And he’s a June fill in after someone else got fired. If he was a god DC, he wouldn’t be taking this job, right?
Not inspiring at all.
(https://i.imgur.com/S2V0Zic.png)That sucks.
Depth chart is out, and Wolf is on it. Not sure why this is.No huge surprises here, but Logan Brown not grabbing the starting RT spot probably solidifies his status as a ratings bust. 5* OT's don't end up as career backups.
(https://i.imgur.com/F2cynim.png)
Bert should’ve never left Wisconsin.With prudent scouting/recruitng and the portal UW can get back to the thick of things. The conference is better when the Camp is rocking, late student section an all. If PC doesn't work,maybe Canada,Aranda or Leonard. Not sure running PC off right now is the answer,the program needs shrewd recruiters and keep corraling the big uglies - IMHO
he might come backRobinson tried it at USC and Bill Snyder at K-State. But they didn't torch bridges on the way out
desperation makes for strange bed fellowsTrust me. It will never happen. He did himself no favors on the way out, and the big money didn't like him from the beginning.
Time to circle the wagons here.
Since 2019, this Wisconsin program is in decline.
Time to circle the wagons here.I'm not feeling quite as dire, but I tend to live on a more even keel. I assumed there would be dips from 10 wins and a NYD6 bowl game. That's the nature of things.
Since 2019, this Wisconsin program is in decline. Those kids did not even belong on the same field as Ohio State last night. It looked like 2014 in Indy - after which UW started to make a climb as a program.
The standard is 10 wins and a NYD6 bowl game. That seems so unattainable at this time it's not even being discussed.
Fans are hoping for 7 wins.
And here we are.
Changes need to be made. If not, UW will fall back to what it was prior to what King Barry built.
Not Don Morton bad, but a perennial 6-6/7-5/8-4 team.
I'm not feeling quite as dire, but I tend to live on a more even keel. I assumed there would be dips from 10 wins and a NYD6 bowl game. That's the nature of things.I think some of this is that just how good Ohio State is matters. Obviously Wisconsin fans don't want to see their team blown out but that said, there IS a difference between being blown out by an extremely good team and being blown out by a less impressive opponent.
There's sure a lot of editorial mileage being made of Wisconsin's blowout loss to OSU.That is some hot trash.
Here this highly speculative sports blog is referencing an Ohio State fan site contributor to weigh whether Wisconsin’s admin is ready to move on from Paul Chryst and make a move for Lance Leopold(?):
“Chryst is an incredibly disappointing 15-9 in his last 24 games. There’s not a Wisconsin fan on the planet happy with that record. At some point, you either accept living in mediocrity forever or you make a change. It seems like fans are in agreement it’s time for the latter.
Is Lance Leipold the answer for Wisconsin? Leipold has Kansas off to their best start in 13 years, and the Jayhawks are off to an impressive 4-0 start. If you can win at Kansas, you can win anywhere. Plus, Lance Leipold is a proven winner everywhere he’s been a head coach. He won six national titles at UW-Whitewater and he won 24 games in his final three years at Buffalo. The man can coach and he does it without the resources traditional powers have.”
https://twitter.com/Outkick/status/1574709182116220928
This is the path the Buckeyes took with Tressel and we waited too long .But PC is a better HC than JC,Tressel won 4 national titles in 6 tries at YSU.
Is Lance Leipold the answer for Wisconsin? Leipold has Kansas off to their best start in 13 years, and the Jayhawks are off to an impressive 4-0 start. If you can win at Kansas, you can win anywhere. Plus, Lance Leipold is a proven winner everywhere he’s been a head coach. He won six national titles at UW-Whitewater and he won 24 games in his final three years at Buffalo. The man can coach and he does it without the resources traditional powers have.”
Leonard or Leipold,good luck PC,seemed the Brass had to get the jump on a difference maker - good luck to them.The conference is always better when the Camp is a factor.Hope Sparty wakes up soon also as their HC tain't goin' nowhereif the brass wanted their DC then tell the coach now or whatever but to dismiss a decent coach mid season is a whole different story, if the guy you want is already on the staff this seems a little extreme. if the coach they want is not on the staff then I guess i see it if they can get that intended coach now in mid season and not have to wait.
if the brass wanted their DC then tell the coach now or whatever but to dismiss a decent coach mid season is a whole different story, if the guy you want is already on the staff this seems a little extreme. if the coach they want is not on the staff then I guess i see it if they can get that intended coach now in mid season and not have to wait.The team appeared to be mailing it in and underperforming by Badger standards. Perhaps a must move from a recruitng perspective IMHO so I don't blame the AD.It's not the old days where they had some patience - much faster get 'er done now time we live in
just seems like a gut punch for PC to get axed this way, in mid season
Leonard or Leipold,good luck PC,seemed the Brass had to get the jump on a difference maker - good luck to them.The conference is always better when the Camp is a factor.Hope Sparty wakes up soon also as their HC tain't goin' nowhereif they want Leonard it makes sense that a few other programs might be interested in giving him a head coach spot
I wonder how much this uncharacteristic mid-season firing trend is 'transfer portal' related?Ding ding ding.
That's about the only thing I can figure as to why this is now a thing?
Former 2019 5 STARZ OT Logan Brown has entered the portal. Kid just couldn't put it all together. Had every opportunity as he was named starter to open Fall camp.come on home to Ann Arbor, we'll take him. probably winds up in EL though, Mel seems to be King of the Portal.
Why would you want a kid who couldn't start at Wisconsin, and one who quit on his teammates mid-week, mid-season?UM? Probably not. Have you seen MSU's OL? He's not a 5*, but if he's a playable tackle, he'd start for us. Plus his coach just got fired
He's going to Eastern.
Why would you want a kid who couldn't start at Wisconsin, and one who quit on his teammates mid-week, mid-season?Eastern would be a good spot.
He's going to Eastern.
Why would you want a kid who couldn't start at Wisconsin, and one who quit on his teammates mid-week, mid-season?good point now that I think about it. he's in his 4th year and he couldn't get on the field for one of the worst Wisconsin OLs in recent memory. didn't a rs frosh beat him out?
He's going to Eastern.
Why would you want a kid who couldn't start at Wisconsin, and one who quit on his teammates mid-week, mid-season?Again, a very credible source on another UW website has come out and said Brown was dismissed yesterday.
He's going to Eastern.
good point now that I think about it. he's in his 4th year and he couldn't get on the field for one of the worst Wisconsin OLs in recent memory. didn't a rs frosh beat him out?Yes, but Mahlman has been out since game one. Brown took over as starter when that happened but lost his spot to a redshirt sophomore (Trey Wedig) for last week's game.
The 5 STARZ ain't everything. He's probably just not that good.
UM? Probably not. Have you seen MSU's OL? He's not a 5*, but if he's a playable tackle, he'd start for us. Plus his coach just got firedAnother topic, but have you been happy with the Berger transfer? I've not been able to keep up.
Another topic, but have you been happy with the Berger transfer? I've not been able to keep up.He's a decent back, but has horrible vision. Bad combo with our OL, and why Eli Collins should be getting more touches
Again, a very credible source on another UW website has come out and said Brown was dismissed yesterday.Leonhard confirmed
Per one of The Athletic writers, it was a one time thing, and he doesn't think it's a thing that will scare other teams off. That he was angry about the coaching change, and planning on leaving after the year anyway, and that it was a more of a "you are leaving after the year, everyone knows you are leaving after the year, and now this, why wait?"Which one? I tried a search and cannot find.
Must be in some comment section. Still, I wouldn't dismiss this as "not a big deal" just yet.I don't know, I let my subscription lapse, I wasn't using it enough. I have a hard time believing one practice punch could possibly end a kids chances. Guys get DUIs and get second and third and fourth chances, and I'd put this below that. Practice fights happen all the time, and we don't know, for us to not only know, but for it to lead to a parting of ways, it's certainly something more than that.
People close to Wisconsin think it's serious enough for him to not play football again. Last Chance U maybe.
I wonder how much this uncharacteristic mid-season firing trend is 'transfer portal' related?
That's about the only thing I can figure as to why this is now a thing?
Wisconsin has always been a developmental program.Stop it! Keep getting lineman and there is always disgruntled QBs/RBs/WRs a plenty.One good recruiter is all it takes,don't know what to tell you about NIL as Nicky Saban doesn't seem to like it.Guess it brings more coin than bagmen ;D. Also Leonhard already has them playing much better ball it's evident.Really don't know what happened to PC but he got sloppy or perhaps soft ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
With NIL and the transfer portal, it's gonna be an irrelevant program.
Oh well.
It was a nice run.
things can changeFF how did the Wedding go? Any TVs so you could catch the games? Must of been distressing to miss the links for a day. Hope you're in counseling
especially with a change in coaches
And another. I thought this kid would be a good one too.Per homer board insiders, likely not a bad roster loss.
(https://i.imgur.com/Nt0UHWX.png)
everything went wellWas the EX behaving?
better than I expected
not many TVs for games
Per homer board insiders, likely not a bad roster loss.I saw that too. If allegations are true, well, then bye.
I’d have to look back, receiver seems like a less developmental spot unless it’s a walk-on at UW, but I’d have to see.
(https://i.imgur.com/Zn1QekV.png)IIRC he was a MASSIVE reach even giving him an offer, and seemed related to being HS teammates with Logan Brown
(https://i.imgur.com/Zn1QekV.png)This is where I need special teams stats so I can figure out if this is just a fourth-year player who is a true offensive nonfactor or someone who has not mattered to the product at all.
IIRC he was a MASSIVE reach even giving him an offer, and seemed related to being HS teammates with Logan BrownNah. He committed well after Brown did. He was flipped from Western Michigan, where he should probably consider landing, along with Brown...
This is where I need special teams stats so I can figure out if this is just a fourth-year player who is a true offensive nonfactor or someone who has not mattered to the product at all.He was always hurt, and he got passed up by younger guys.
Also, two WRs out together? Why do I think there might be a link?
Nah. He committed well after Brown did. He was flipped from Western Michigan, where he should probably consider landing, along with Brown...Wisconsin was his only non-MAC offer, and I remember it being fairly surprising at the time
Well, he could always choose to reunite. :)He won't. MSU never recruited him in the first place
(https://i.imgur.com/LZOlrcW.png)
Recruiter vs. guy who wanted to target him is two different thingsThe seems speculative and silly in a way. We haven’t the foggiest who was interested in him and why, other than to probably say the wide receiver coach her to at least sign off.
Michigan sniffing around on 2023 recruits. Just offered DT Rod Pierce. One of my favorite UW recruits.nice! go get 'em all Jim! he needs to hit up ND/MSU commit list as well see if he can poach some of them. I'd be on the phone with Penn State commit list as well...telling them hey come here or get your ass beat by us every time you come into The Big House...your choice.
Harbaugh sucks.
I remember a time when conference mates didn't do this to each other with committed players. Then Urban showed up.would be kinda stupid for any coach to not go after a player they really like just because he's committed to another school. have to recruit them til they sign that LOI. And now with NIL and transfer portal have to recruit them just to keep them at your school.
(https://i.imgur.com/LYUjIqB.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/TFXpg4E.png)
would be kinda stupid for any coach to not go after a player they really like just because he's committed to another school. have to recruit them til they sign that LOI. And now with NIL and transfer portal have to recruit them just to keep them at your school.i think it has always happened. social media and everything is announced is allowing the news to spread a little more. cannot imagine coaches giving up until the kid signs on the line
just the way it is these days.
How solid is the 2023 schedule? Didn't last year's schedule change sometime in the spring?Yeah, they took them all down when the LA schools decided to join. Now they are back up. For Wisconsin, it's the same schedule. Pretty sure the rest are too.
(https://i.imgur.com/68qLfDF.png)I dislike that non-conference.
Logan Brown winds up at Kansas. Sounds like UM and MSU never even reached out. Michigan clearly doesn't need that noise, but considering how bad MSU's line looks, and that they never reached out, it seems like the worst case rumors were trueHe was just not a good player. I'm surprised Leipold took him.
So on our fan board there seems to be rumors about Allen getting wooed to leave after this year by Michigan and USCI don't know if this is true or not, but if this stuff starts happening, I'm out.
what are the Wisconsin sites and insiders saying?
and how does everyone feel about schools poaching during the season to get players to leave and get into the transfer portal?
Don't know for sure.Its been a while.
When was the last time Michigan put a RB into the league in the 3rd round or above?
I don't know if this is true or not, but if this stuff starts happening, I'm out.Bears or Maroons? Gonna have to pick a direction
Wisconsin can join Chicago's league.
This board turns into "other news" and a cookbook.
Don't know for sure.it's been a minute, but that's changing very soon. Blake Corum will probably go in the 2nd rd this upcoming draft and Donovan Edwards will go round 1 when it's his turn.
When was the last time Michigan put a RB into the league in the 3rd round or above?
Current rumor is that USC is offering $2 Million for one year of Allen.USC = portal city. They got the Biletnikof winning WR from Pitt and Caleb Williams this off-season.
This is the end of the sport as we knew it, and it was obviously predictable.
Current rumor is that USC is offering $2 Million for one year of Allen.this kind of college sports is not good for fans. and to be honest the NFL is getting a semi pro league without paying for it at all which i find extremely disheartening.
This is the end of the sport as we knew it, and it was obviously predictable.
this kind of college sports is not good for fans. and to be honest the NFLishas been getting a semi pro league without paying for it at all which i find extremely disheartening.
the good old days with money under the table with a slight threat of sanctions are now gone and teams are stealing recruits away at will even before players have officially entered the portal
this kind of college sports is not good for fans. and to be honest the NFL is getting a semi pro league without paying for it at all which i find extremely disheartening.Oh, it's good for some fans. It's not good for guys like you and me.
the good old days with money under the table with a slight threat of sanctions are now gone and teams are stealing recruits away at will even before players have officially entered the portal
hence why ol Muleshoe is there
Logan Brown winds up at Kansas. Sounds like UM and MSU never even reached out. Michigan clearly doesn't need that noise, but considering how bad MSU's line looks, and that they never reached out, it seems like the worst case rumors were trueyeah, Michigan didn't even bother talking to him and MSU didn't either. he probably just....sucks at football. feel like every Grand Rapids kid blows. every hyped up Grand Rapids player I can remember has just wound up sucking. it's weird. maybe the HS competition is really just that bad out there.
sounds like as long as Wisconsin doesn't fumble the hire and retains Leonhard, Allen isn't going anywhere.I don't think they will lose anyone of substance if they retain JL. But that is not a reason to retain a coach. Can't have the inmates running the place.
I remember when Alvarez got to Madison. He gutted the roster almost immediately. Half of those 45+ players didn't catch on elsewhere, which was telling.How many freakin' schollies did he have to hand out? Can you just cut kids on scholarship?
yes, you Can just cut kids on scholarshipI know Saban has been but I'm referring to the rest of CFB
I wouldn't accuse other programs, I'd just report them to the NCAA if I had sufficient evidence to hand overI think JL might have that evidence, relative to USC and Allen.
Muck Fichigan.the Ex-wife has that T-shirt
Muck Fichigan.can never have enough DLs. TAKE EM ALL JEEEM! TAKE EM ALL! (*EVIL LAUGH*).
Wisconsin commit Jamel Howard to visit Michigan (247sports.com) (https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Article/Jamel-Howard-Michigan-Wolverines-Wisconsin-Badgers-football-recruiting-197777959/)
Muck Fichigan.Decommitted. He gone.
Wisconsin commit Jamel Howard to visit Michigan (247sports.com) (https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Article/Jamel-Howard-Michigan-Wolverines-Wisconsin-Badgers-football-recruiting-197777959/)
Decommitted. He gone.3*, #133 DL in the 247 composite. Who wants to bet that jumps up now?
This from today's presser in Madison:
(https://i.imgur.com/5VPE7wR.png)
Maybe the Buckeyes will swing in and steal him - Urbz would approvenah. he doesn't fit in with the style of defense that OSU plays. Kid is like 320 pounds. In high school. He's only going to get bigger and stronger in college. He's a pure nose tackle in a 3-4. Michigan base D is a 3-4. They need the big uglies to be BIG. Knowles plays that 4-2-5. Does OSU even play a DL that weights more than 295?
3*, #133 DL in the 247 composite. Who wants to bet that jumps up now?He was rated way too low to start with.
Wisconsin doing the scouting for assholes like Harbaugh is nothing new.At least this year, you get the coach firing the fans wanted, you wear the losses on the trail that comes with uncertainty.
Same thing happens in hoops.
At least this year, you get the coach firing the fans wanted, you wear the losses on the trail that comes with uncertainty.Yeah, as MSU fan frustration has shifted from the defense to the offense, one of our writers pointed out that if you switch DCs, there will likely be little to no impact on the 2023 class. You switch OCs, that would not be the case at all
At least this year, you get the coach firing the fans wanted, you wear the losses on the trail that comes with uncertainty.If he wasn't planning on hiring JL from the start, he should have kept PC and let the season tank. They'd have two more losses than they do already.
If he wasn't planning on hiring JL from the start, he should have kept PC and let the season tank. They'd have two more losses than they do already.Then you get the losses on the trail from being 4-8?
I don't think so. Kids see an opportunity for early PT at a good P5 program.Wisconsin fired the head coach. There was always bound to be de-commits and flips.
Harbass didn't offer any of those kids until his buddy got fired, by the way.
Based on yesterday OSU could use a DCgrab Parker and save him from Iowa City
Based on yesterday OSU could use a DCthey just paid Knowles $2 mil a year and stole him from OkState. I doubt they'll fire him just like that based off one game. OSU D was pretty good all year til the final game.
grab Parker and save him from Iowa CityI don't understand how he hasn't gotten bigger DC job or a HC job at a smaller school yet. I would hate to see that dude in Columbus.
So does this mean Braelon Allen is gone? Cause I sure as hell would love to see him team up with Donovan Edwards in Ann Arbor next year to replace Blake Corum.You like prima donnas? Cause that's Allen.
Going from 1st and goal on the 5 to 2nd and goal from the 30 was a thing of beauty. The interim tag should be removed immediately.That's pretty short-sighted.
Based on your comments, I have also thought that they would take the interim tag off him.Except Mac was a consensus All-American OT and won two Rose Bowls and was groomed for his current job... under...
One thing that is not up for discussion: it's Chris McIntosh's show now. Anything that King Barry built, personnel-wise, is gone.
Good for the Wisconsin AD going big game hunting against the hometown sentiment of hiring Leonhard. I never viewed the unquestioning support of Leonhard as more than a localized, forced fixation to turn Leonhard into a hometown hero. We’ve seen this play out before to mixed results – where the feel good story is favored above sounder hiring considerations, whether it works out or not. Griffey Jr to the Reds, Patrick Ewing to Georgetown, and giving George Lucas full control of the prequels, for example.I think this sums it up incredibly well, everyone at Wisconsin understandably (and should) loves Leonard; McIntosh's job is to hire the best coach he can get, not make the sentimental choice.
One thing that is not up for discussion: it's Chris McIntosh's show now. Anything that King Barry built, personnel-wise, is gone.As it should be, you can't hire the guy and not give him control. It's terrifying for UW, we still have to hope the success of the program survives past the KB decades.
If he wasn't planning on hiring JL from the start, he should have kept PC and let the season tank. They'd have two more losses than they do already.A month ot two back you were pretty sure it would be JL and I figured it was a good move also - what moved them off Leonhard do you think?
Some were speculating that since Luke Fickell did it for Urban that JL might do it for Fickel.He's a Columbus guy grew up and played ball there,all Ohio and a wrestling champion also
Big difference. Both are defensive guys. Urbs let Fickel run with the D, pretty much solo.
I just hope he doesn't bring too much with him to Madison, from Cincy (or even the Youngstown clan).
Pretty sure the Leonhard to Fickell pivot was as simple as Fickell wasn't interested at first, then he was. When you have the chance to hire that guy, you do, even if it means a hard choice to pass over a sentimental favorite.No question about that.
All the reporting seemed to think UW was planning to hire Leonhard. There's every reason to believe that was what they thought...until Fickell expressed interest.
He may not work out; Leonhard may become a superstar (and may never forgive McIntosh for passing him over), but the decision isn't hard to understand.
Reasonably confident it had absolutely nothing to do with the backup quarterback not getting the offense to execute on 1st and goal from the five at the end of the Minnesota game.
Posted today.Feels surprising unless he already knows who will get the jobs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Zbhp3xs.png)
Looks like CLF is cleaning house.
yup, same with TrevHe's gotta fix M Hockey too?
Thinking on this some more, and this is maybe the only marquis hire in the last 50+ years of Wisconsin athletic department history, let alone the football program history. Alvarez was a big get from ND. But he wasn't this big--hadn't been a head man before. Fickell is a national coach of the year at a mid-major that he took to the CFP--the kind of coach the big kids land when they need someone new. It's a big deal that Wisconsin made this move rather than following the promote/recruit from within structure it is used to.Barry was the top assistant in NCAA football when he was hired. Barry had done well at Iowa, and was elevated at Notre Dame. This is not bigger than Barry. Barry was widely believed to be the top head coach hire when Wisconsin hired him. I would say Fickell is fairly equivalent to Barry. But, then Fickell is where Scott Frost, was before Frost was hired at Nebraska.
BFD.
That doesn't mean it will work out, but still: wow.
Fickell is where Scott Frost, was before Frost was hired at Nebraska.Yes albeit it seemed with an undefeated resume and a team full of Florida kids Frost appeared more of a big splash hire
CLF said in his presser lately that JL could come back as DC. I'm guessing Associate Head Coach on top of that.That's great. There's nothing wrong with the Badgers' defense.
JL has three young kids and a farm close to Madison. He's turned down Bama and NFL DC offers. He loves Madison. We'll see.
Getting JL more experience under a proven head coach (other than CPC) would be great, because I think CLF would leave UW if/when OSU opens up and offers.
Fickell is where Scott Frost, was before Frost was hired at Nebraska.I wouldn’t say this is exactly true. Fickell had a 10 year three times longer than Frost. But, it’s fair to say, that you were right that there is no résumé that guarantees success.
I was a sophomore in high school--in California--when Wisconsin hired Barry, so my memory isn't exactly crystal clear about this, but my understanding is more like what Badge said above: yes, he was an up-and-coming hire, but no, he wasn't the kind of coach that traditionally strong programs were already salivating over. Regardless, even if he was a similarly marquis hire, this decision was a break from the Wisconsin mold in a pretty significant way.Fickell and Leonhard run two different defenses. They do not agree on defensive philosophy. I agree with you that Fickell should bend where Wisconsin is strong.
And if Fickell can convince Leonhard to stick around, that will be one hell of a first recruiting job.
News came out on Friday that Wisconsin assistant Bob Bostad is going to be joining a another B1G coaching staff. Indy Star’s Tyler Tachman reported the news.Bostad came back to Wisconsin under PC, as the ILB coach, and he was fantastic. When PC pushed Rudolph out the door last year, he moved Bostad to OL coach.
Bostad is set to become the next OL coach at Indiana. Bostad has experience in both college and at the NFL level. Bostad was an OL coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2012-2013.
__________________________________
is this the good coach or the bad coach?
Bostad came back to Wisconsin under PC, as the ILB coach, and he was fantastic. When PC pushed Rudolph out the door last year, he moved Bostad to OL coach.not that the Gophers get many 4 stars but don't the higher Starred guys want more coddling than the guys that want to come in an prove something?
The weak link on the team this year was the OL - and it's made up entirely of 4 and 5 STARZ. I've been told that the players didn't like his ass-kicking style of coaching. Maybe the players should all go to IU and let Bo stay home.
Jim Leonhard needs to get over Wisconsin. His obsession with that place is borderline creepy. They f'd you over hombre. They didn't want you to be the head coach. Passed over you twice now last two times that job came open.Where you getting this? Twice?? PC hired JL to coach DB's in 2016. It was his first coaching job. JL was playing with the Browns when PC was hired.
Would be a mistake for Fickell to keep him around imo. Need to change the entire culture put your imprint on the thing. Those players all were begging for Leonhard to be the head coach. For sure some of them are still going to be loyal to him over Fickell. Could cause division in the locker room if there are any slight slip ups or hiccups- who knows if there is backstabbing and politicking to try and get Leonhard to replace you. Just saying.
If I was Fickell I'd have told him to look somewhere else and I'm bringing my guy to be the DC. They run completely different styles of defense as well not to mention.
not that the Gophers get many 4 stars but don't the higher Starred guys want more coddling than the guys that want to come in an prove something?Seems like it.
an i understand its not every higher starred guy but in general terms?
Graham Mertz entered the transfer portal.I will be fascinated to see where he lands. I understand he probably wanted a fresh start. I also wonder if the new staff pushed him out at all or if they wanted to keep him around.
I will be fascinated to see where he lands. I understand he probably wanted a fresh start. I also wonder if the new staff pushed him out at all or if they wanted to keep him around.i think Metrz reads blogs
I would’ve wanted to keep him around, but I also understand if he didn’t wanna stay
His season was only modestly better than Petras's. I am guessing the coaching staff is being realistic about his opportunities with him.I mean, they don’t have any other QBs.
Fickell and Leonhard run two different defenses. They do not agree on defensive philosophy. I agree with you that Fickell should bend where Wisconsin is strong.I think it would be a stretch to say that they don’t agree.
That said, from an Iowa perspective, hopefully Leonhard leaves for greener pastures not in the Big Ten. The Iowa O-Line has not figured out how to block against his defense.
I mean, they don’t have any other QBs.Wisconsin has two freshman QBs on the roster.
Wisconsin has two freshman QBs on the roster.Yep. Basically nothing in terms of remaining QB talent (Burkett might be good, but a lot of projection there).
Marshall Howe, a 2* from Avondale, Conn. whose only other offers were from FCS schools.
Myles Burkett, a 3* from Franklin, Wisc. who had offers from 4 MAC schools.
The Wisc. State Journal says that a Wisc. QB recruit from Colorado was told there were going to be changes at QB at Wisc., and they wanted a QB that could run. What Luke Fickell is telling Wisconsin's 2023 quarterback commit about his role (badgerextra.com)
(https://badgerextra.com/sports/football/recruiting/what-luke-fickell-is-telling-wisconsins-2023-quarterback-commit-about-his-role/article_3428d49a-728c-11ed-b470-930c843299a9.html#_ga=2.122035400.257413607.1670215295-1049698375.1670215290)Then this on Twitter Evan Flood on Twitter: "Luke Fickell said he spoke with Graham Mertz before his decision to transfer: "We want nothing more than the best for him. I encouraged him to stick around here and see how the changes go. "That's not what I wanted him to do, but I respect that." #Badgers" / Twitter (https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/1599536028716388352?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1599536028716388352|twgr^e4c1eb075df534c2fe99d22b8653c064ea3dd270|twcon^s1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbadgerswire.usatoday.com%2Flists%2Fwisconsin-players-react-to-qb-graham-mertzs-decision-to-enter-the-transfer-portal%2F) I suspect the Wisc. State Journal article quoting the recruit expresses the sentiment of the new coaching staff more accurately. Or, maybe Wisconsin really did want Mertz to stick around and carry refreshments onto the field during timeouts. (https://badgerextra.com/sports/football/recruiting/what-luke-fickell-is-telling-wisconsins-2023-quarterback-commit-about-his-role/article_3428d49a-728c-11ed-b470-930c843299a9.html#_ga=2.122035400.257413607.1670215295-1049698375.1670215290)
Jim Leonhard needs to get over Wisconsin. His obsession with that place is borderline creepy. They f'd you over hombre. They didn't want you to be the head coach. Passed over you twice now last two times that job came open.That's gotta be one of the strangest things I've ever read on a message board.
Yep. Basically nothing in terms of remaining QB talent (Burkett might be good, but a lot of projection there).I appreciate your insight. This Colo. recruit was a Bearcats recruit who is now a Badger recruit. Change is ahead for the Wisc. offense. I suspect it will go a bit faster, and will not mostly be a pro style offense.
I'd assume the State Journal article sentiments are in some part trying to shore up a member of the class so you don't have to get another kid that late. Not that the offense won't let the QB run more, but you tell a kid what he likes to hear. No matter what they run, there's a good chance Mertz would be running it better than any of the QBs mentioned above, so his main worry would be whatever transfer they land.
I don't understand why we already have 2023 offseason threads for teams who are going to bowl games. 2022 is not over.It may as well be over.
It may as well be over.A. There’s a game to play and a win to chase. Ain’t over.
BTW, who do you project at QB for Wisconsin in the "Copper Bowl?"
Word is 2 NFL teams in need of a DC had contacted him.it would be any reasonable persons advice. why stick around somewhere that clearly doesn't appreciate you or want you?
Lol, it would appear Leonhard has taken MDots advice.
Jim Leonhard will coach through the bowl game and then move onI thought Fickell did keep Jim Leonhard per what I read 2-days ago. Sheesh! He is a brilliant defensive coach.
https://twitter.com/jimleonhard?lang=en
sorry not sure how to dump Twitter pages here
thought that Fickle would try to keep Jim at least
Jim Leonhard will coach through the bowl game and then move onHe did try.
https://twitter.com/jimleonhard?lang=en
sorry not sure how to dump Twitter pages here
thought that Fickle would try to keep Jim at least
Reflection is interesting.He does. Wisconsin style has proven successful through the years. Fickle Will only adjust it one notch. He is a very strong defensive mind and an offense he’ll want true balance. So a very strong run game but the ability to pass and move the ball downfield quickly, with at least a relatively mobile quarterback.
Top 15 team. B1G West favorite. Head coach fired.
Beloved former player named interim. Shit offense still.
Best available head coach hired, allegedly. Beloved former player gone. Former 5* QB gone, along with many others.
6-6. Bowl game against oSu.
Soon to be 6-7, I imagine?
I hope Luke Fickel knows what he's doing.
this seems like a big time hire for Fickell to be his OC....Huge hire.
https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1600611064227381249?s=20&t=ypPYh_O9ZfFLRnl6idHnFw
Huge hire.
Huge hire.I’m somewhat middling on this hire. It tends to be hard to run a good defense alongside that scheme. And I have seen in a couple spots that he is extremely abrasive to work with.
I’m somewhat middling on this hire. It tends to be hard to run a good defense alongside that scheme. And I have seen in a couple spots that he is extremely abrasive to work with.have to think Fickell will take care of the defense....doubt Wisconsin will have a trash defense as long as Fickell is running the ship.
on the other hand, yards and points and yards and points
have to think Fickell will take care of the defense....doubt Wisconsin will have a trash defense as long as Fickell is running the ship.Maybe, but if you run that O the way it's supposed to be run, you're not doing that defense any favors.
Feels like a hard pivot, but probably an overdue one. The Athletic college football podcast was debating the Mel.Tucker contract, and their recruiting guy shut it down, and said they have killed college football as anything other than a national title sport, but unlike basketball, there is way less randomness. Mel Tucker may fail, but he's gunning for it. Dantonio may have kept churning out 8-4 seasons, but 8-4 might as well be 4-8 with the current narrative. So you might as well shoot for the moon, because the downside isn't worse than the worst case scenario. Wisconsin is realizing the same. They could just go 9-3 forever, lose in the CCG, and wind up in a random Alamo Bowl. Or go for broke, and if it doesn't work, who cares, you missed an Alamo BowlTo be fair, that recruiting guy is obsessed with the title race and not much of a believer in the idea of the spot being broad and interesting for the sake of being intersting. Like, the way to beat that narrative is just to do things like enjoying watching your team, even if it goes a hard-fought 7-5. Like, there's no rule a person can't do that, even if ESPN says stuff.
I never felt that before maybe 2016, but I do now. This 5-7 MM SU season didn't feel any different than Mark Dantonios late era Redbox Bowl or Pinstripe Bowl season.But in the grand scheme, a lot of folks do care. They care week in and week out. I've seen teams that slip. I've seen folks howl through bad season. A lot of folks say they won't care, til they're hit with losses. I bet a good number of folks cared about the IU loss. Even if it meant some arbitrary trip to some random locale.
What's the point in trying to win an arbitrary number of games to play in an exhibition game that all of your good players skip? We've already gone this route in pro sports, with tanking. Nobody cares about being decent. They'd rather be horrible, for the chance to be great.
And don't get it wrong, I hate it. I was stoked when MSU got bowl eligible in 2007. And to be in a NYD bow the next year was cloud nine. But as a realist, nobody cares. Recruits don't care. The media doesn't care. Every sport has turned into title contenders or nothin
Everything is in place for him to have success.
of all the new coaches in the West, think Fickell was by far the best hire "on paper" and has the best chance of success imo.
I keep telling you- your going to like that dude as your coach
Bowl game in two days. 10:15 EST start. Gonna have to take nap so I can watch this one.Local Alumni Association says they’re having a watch party.
I’m somewhat middling on this hire. It tends to be hard to run a good defense alongside that scheme. And I have seen in a couple spots that he is extremely abrasive to work with.I was looking at UNC stats this morning. It was about 50-50 run-pass, and I imagine it will be more like 40-60 run-pass in Madison because of what he has at RB right now.
on the other hand, yards and points and yards and points