Fickell not calling a timeout with 2:36 on the clock in the second quarter to me showed that he did not believe in his team. If he did he would give them all the time possible. Instead he let the clock run all the way down to 2:00. As a coach it is the little things like that where your true colors shine. If he doesn’t believe in the team why should they believe in him. This is not a talent thing. This is a coaching thing. I wish Fickell all the best in the future but dude needs to be gone from Madison. With that I do understand he most likely will get the 26 season.
That’s a really fair point, and honestly, I think a lot of fans felt the same way in that moment. I don’t think anyone’s questioning the effort level of the players right now, but moments like that timeout situation are where belief starts to fracture. When you’ve got three timeouts and a defense that’s been battling all game, it sends a message when you don’t at least try to give them one more shot.
It’s not just about clock management. It’s about practicing what you preach. And from my perspective, that sequence said more about where this program is mentally than anything that happened on the field. Fickell talks constantly about toughness and competitive spirit, but decisions like that totally undercut the message.
I don’t think he’s lost the locker room, but you’re right, those are the little things that make players and fans start to wonder how there is any sort of path forward. It’s not just a talent problem at this point; it’s an identity and confidence problem that starts with the head coach.
Fickell not calling a timeout with 2:36 on the clock in the second quarter to me showed that he did not believe in his team. If he did he would give them all the time possible. Instead he let the clock run all the way down to 2:00. As a coach it is the little things like that where your true colors shine. If he doesn’t believe in the team why should they believe in him. This is not a talent thing. This is a coaching thing. I wish Fickell all the best in the future but dude needs to be gone from Madison. With that I do understand he most likely will get the 26 season.
That’s a really fair point, and honestly, I think a lot of fans felt the same way in that moment. I don’t think anyone’s questioning the effort level of the players right now, but moments like that timeout situation are where belief starts to fracture. When you’ve got three timeouts and a defense that’s been battling all game, it sends a message when you don’t at least try to give them one more shot.
It’s not just about clock management. It’s about practicing what you preach. And from my perspective, that sequence said more about where this program is mentally than anything that happened on the field. Fickell talks constantly about toughness and competitive spirit, but decisions like that totally undercut the message.
I don’t think he’s lost the locker room, but you’re right, those are the little things that make players and fans start to wonder how there is any sort of path forward. It’s not just a talent problem at this point; it’s an identity and confidence problem that starts with the head coach.
I'm pretty sure that the Badgers' game v Iowa next week is at Camp Randall. FYI.
Bruce. You are correct. 6:00 pm at CR
Yes. 100% thanks for catching that.