Film room: What the tape says about Wisconsin football’s effort vs. Ohio State
Luke Fickell insists the Wisconsin Badgers football team hasn't lost hope. What does the Week 8 film say?
When you have a football team like the 2-5 Wisconsin Badgers — losers of five straight, winless against Power Four Competition in their last 10 tries, victims of two straight blowout/shutout losses, it’s fair to question if the players are still carrying themselves with effort, drive and passion.
Immediately after the Badgers lost 34-0 to No. 1 Ohio State after falling to Iowa 37-0 the week prior, Fickell insisted that his team hasn’t given up on him.
“Hope is one of those things you have to find from within,” Fickell said. “There’s no quit in that locker room on each other…There’s a nucleus of guys that are incredibly disappointed as well that are going to continue to drive this culture as we continue to find ways to get better and continue to find ways to win football games.”
And yet, things continue to go horribly sideways for Wisconsin week in and week out. The Badgers seem to shoot themselves in the foot in the worst ways at the worst times, irreparably impairing their ability to play a competitive game. A pass that bounced off tailback Cade Yacamelli’s hands and into the waiting arms of an Ohio State defender on Wisconsin’s second drive epitomizes that.
“That’s when all of the sudden you just look in the eyes and see, ‘Is there a loss of hope?’ Is somebody gonna be like, ‘oh my gosh, this is like last week,” Fickell continued.
“What gives me hope is no, I didn’t see that… It’s a helluva lot harder for [the media, fans] to see some hope when you see zero on the scoreboard, but the guys that are in it on an everyday basis see something a helluva lot different.”
That sounded a little far-fetched, the defensive ramblings of a coach who knows his seat is the hottest in America. So, BadgerNotes.com dove into the film from Ohio State to investigate.
Unlike when I usually peruse film, this time I wasn’t necessarily watching for scheme, difference-makers, and impressive reps. I watched for body language, for effort, for physicality. That’s how you know if a team has given up on itself.
Below, the film reveals plenty about the Badgers’ effort and if they’re still playing with passion and fire.
We’ll start with the defense, because despite giving up 34 points, I still saw plenty of players — particularly on the front seven — still playing with their hair on fire. The following play is a great example, especially because it came later in the second half with the game essentially out of reach:
On the right side, linebackers Mason Reiger and Mason Posa both rush the right tackle, putting immediate pressure on Buckeye quarterback Julian Sayin’s face. Reiger unleashes a spin, and Posa dives at his feet, both just narrowly missing the sack. The pass is then completed, but the tailback is instantly popped by safety Matthew Traynor.
It’s a good play from the defense, and they’re obviously still flying around here. But what I like most is after the play. Again, the game is out of reach at this point. But watch safety Austin Brown proudly hold his arm up, signaling the third-down stop, while he enthusiastically celebrates with Traynor and Matt Jung.
Though the defense surrendered plenty of yards against Ohio State’s high-flying passing game with NFL players everywhere, they didn’t surrender their pride. They played valiantly until the final whistle.
The rest of the tape was, rather surprisingly, more of the same.