What Should the Expectations Be for the Badgers in 2024?
What should UW's expectations be entering year two of the Luke Fickell era?
The first year of the Wisconsin football program's new era under head coach Luke Fickell might be noted more for what it didn't achieve than what it did. There was no Big Ten West title, and the new-look offense didn't exactly light up the scoreboard. Still, the lessons learned from the 2023 season could serve as a valuable springboard for what's to come.
"It was difficult [facing adversity], but I think because of what we had to go through, I feel like we're in a lot better place," Fickell said on BTN.
Even if that's true, it doesn't mean this season won't be met with a heavier dose of skepticism from fans and college football analysts alike, who were far more complimentary of Fickell and his staff when they arrived.
With that in mind, the Badgers have re-tooled their roster quite a bit through transfer portal usage and high school recruiting, aligning it more closely with the style of football they aim to play moving forward. This should help offer a more accurate reflection of where the program stands by the season's end.
So, what are realistic expectations for the Wisconsin Badgers entering 2024?
Luke Fickell Was Hired to Compete for 'Championships'
Athletic Director Chris McIntosh mentioned 'championships' when discussing his decision to hire Luke Fickell as head coach, underscoring the program's lofty aspirations.
"It became clear that we see the world in a very similar way, and we see the potential in a program like ours in a very similar way," McIntosh said when Fickell was introduced as head coach. "And we have the same expectations, championship-level expectations."
While the pursuit of 'championships' is undeniably Wisconsin's ultimate goal, it's probably best to keep our short-term expectations in check.
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