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Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell was asked Monday if he and offensive coordinator Phil Longo were "on the same page" regarding what they want the offense to look like.
Today’s featured Open Jim mailbag question comes from @nathan_lewy on Twitter:
How confident are you that Wisconsin has their quarterback to take them to the next level on the roster or currently committed?
My confidence level isn’t super high, but that’s mainly because there just isn’t enough evidence at this point.
Let’s start with Braedyn Locke. I have to keep reminding myself that he’s a sophomore with three career starts. He’s only played extensively in five games, and two of those were relief appearances against really good defenses in Iowa and Alabama.
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So, it’d be premature to write him off completely until he’s had more game reps. He’ll have the rest of this season to prove he can play — and play well — at this level. While I think it’s highly unlikely Locke is the guy to take Wisconsin to the next level, it’s too early to give up on him.
Mabrey Mettauer hasn’t even taken a snap at this level. He got plenty of reps in the spring and fall and, from what I could tell, he seems like a guy who’s going to need some time to develop. But that’s completely normal for a true freshman. He needs time to grow.
I’ve watched game video of committed recruits Landyn Locke (2025) and Jarin Mock (2026), but that’s all. It’d be completely unfair to make any projections on readiness for the college game — good or bad — off their high school film.
Now you see why I’m reluctant to state with confidence that the Badgers have their quarterback to lead them into the future.
Something else gave me pause when answering this question.
The earliest I could see Wisconsin contending or a College Football Playoff berth would be 2026. Who will be the Badgers’ offensive coordinator at that point? If it’s not Phil Longo, does that mean the quarterback room will have a completely different look?
It’s just one more thing to consider when assessing the future of that position at Wisconsin.
Like I wrote in my preview column leading into the season, what happens at quarterback is one of the six ways to measure progress in Year 2 of the Luke Fickell era. The season-ending injury to starter Tyler Van Dyke has opened the door for Locke to prove himself, and perhaps for Mettauer to get some playing time he typically wouldn’t have received.
If the Badgers are kicking the tires in the transfer portal again in December, that’s a sign that Locke isn’t the guy and that the staff doesn’t think Mettauer will be ready to lead the offense in 2025. Fickell doesn’t want to go get another one-year rental, but he may have no choice.
Talent gap apparent as Wisconsin football fans fault coaching in loss to Alabama
An all too familiar reaction
— Dave Dexter (@DDex145) September 14, 2024
All the signs were there
Good teams run bad teams out of the stadium. Alabama did that today. The badgers couldn’t do that the last two weeks
— Mark Blutstein (@markblutstein) September 14, 2024
Shows the gap in where they want to get to
Hard to overcome losing the starting QB like that, But to have it happen vs Bama wasn't something they could overcome. UW's talent is still not there yet. The turnovers and mistakes are just killing us. Redzone offense and defense need a lot of work. Two weeks to get better.
— Mark (@DUD6887) September 14, 2024
Transfer QBs have flopped, which hasn't helped
Longo looks like the first domino that has to fall on the road to rebuilding this program.
— Tailchaser5000 (@tailchaser5000) September 14, 2024
I also thought the defense played well
— Craig Smith (@smithcp1) September 14, 2024Oddly enough, I am more encouraged after today than the first 2. The offense showed the ability to run the ball against a SEC defense& Locke had some nice throws. The defense did decent, despite being put in some bad situations.
But the talent gap was evident&needs to change
Offense provided a few gifts and put defense in tough spots
You can't give Alabama 21 points. We needed to be perfect. Zero mistakes and two turnovers, and a missed FG that swung the game. TVD going out hurts but if the qb comp was as competitive as it reported BL should have been able to be serviceable and he wasn't
— KevinG13 (@KevinGApproves) September 14, 2024
It seemed inevitable
Looked like coaching staff was playing with the goal to just not get blown out. And still couldn’t even accomplish that.
— Eric Schmoldt (@ericschmoldt) September 14, 2024
Seriously great analysis
You could paint a house during the time Alabama’s quarterback had to throw! pic.twitter.com/wluuYW6bPZ
— Mary Korn Erickson (@sixtiesfan) September 14, 2024
Alabama had dudes being dudes
There were some real dudes and a Heisman candidate on the Alabama side of the ball. Glad we got to see what they look like in person. The two fumbles were too tough to overcome
— Danny Zweifel (@wsd1988) September 14, 2024
At least we can enjoy a beautiful day?
— cali badger 🦡 (@calibadger) September 14, 2024
Hard to run with backup who got few practice reps
The weather was great. Crowd was fun. However when we were told offensive schemes were saved for Bama but I guess I missed them. Not much to say other than Pauling nobody else stood out as elite including coaches.
— mike kerry (@BadgerMike) September 14, 2024
It has been not great
The fumbles were infuriating. The LBs are still infuriating. The lack of a downfield passing game under 3 different QBs and a parade of WRs is infuriating. Fickel’s staff looks clueless. I have not given up on him, but his coordinators are going to tank the program.
— ryebadger (@ryebadger1) September 14, 2024
Yet, defense kept them in the game for longer than many probably thought
-Offense needs better short yardage packages (No 4th and 1 shotgun snaps)
— Bode (@NickBode41) September 14, 2024
-Locke missed 2 wide open TD passes to Pauling and Trech. Not acceptable mistakes for a Big 10 QB
-Defense gave up way too many long touchdown plays. Bama players walked in untouched multiple times!!!
Herbie wasn't wrong, just didn't have the full picture. Fumbles were costly
Watching LSU SC and hear @KirkHerbstreit say “from what I heard Alabama’s speed was too much” reality the badger’s lost their starting QB opening drive. Then had 2 fumbles deep in their own territory, a huge offside. Would they have won? no. But it wasn’t all about speed.
— Wiscy (@WiscyWear) September 14, 2024
It looked that way late today
We would have lost anyway, but what is the plan behind/identity of Tressel’s defense? It’s seems like Bend and Break, but also guaranteed to not “create plays”.
— Scott Kelly (@TheScottKelly) September 14, 2024
Can't call out "what ifs" and add a "what if" can we?
1. Hard to believe Locke & Van Dyke were in a heated QB competition
— Randall Kohl (@crandallkohl) September 14, 2024
2. For those that say “A couple plays go differently…” that’s getting old
3. Not to look back but have to believe Jim Leonhard would have more progress with the program a year plus in.
The USC game will be interesting
Bummed that Van Dyke got hurt. Game could have went differently. I strongly believe in Fickell, but I have lost faith in the coordinators.
— Wisconsin Nation (@Wisco___Nation) September 14, 2024
Recruiting has been better, but hasn't shown up yet
What does this team do better under Fickell than it did under Chryst?
— Spencer Gilman (@gilmansg13) September 14, 2024
The haves versus the have nots
The talent gap is vast. How many Badger starters would be in the Bama two deep?
— AJ McFerren (@ajmcferren) September 14, 2024
We'll find out as younger players earn more snaps, I guess
Mistake after mistake after mistake killed them. Fumbles, missed FG, untimely penalty, forgetting the QB sneak play exists. QB likely gone for the season. Defense torched. Where should we look for the optimism?
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) September 14, 2024
The only drama was how Locke would look
Boring. And that’s the problem. Fickell’s teams aren’t just bad, they’re hardly entertaining or competitive. Especially big games like today or Ohio State last season. It’s hard to want to watch on TV anymore, let alone spend money to attend games in person.
— Brian Eich (@BrianEichMKE) September 14, 2024
Only 1 full high school class, and it's still boys among men at this point
2 recruiting and portal cycles and nothing is different. Time to start looking at the HC
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) September 14, 2024
Seems like a system failure, really
We’re stuck with Fickell. Both coordinators on offense and defense have to be replaced at the end of what looks like a mediocre season. The Air Raid offense has to go! NIL money coming in must not be enough to get a quarterback like Jalen Milroe in Madison.
— Jeff Ostach☮️ (@jeff_ostach) September 14, 2024
Some soul searching in store
Went as expected. Offense has no identity, no creativity and zero explosiveness. Defense is weak up front. Questionable coaching decisions. Fickell needs to get some things figured out.
— Troy (@troy_angus) September 14, 2024
Would either pick up the phone?
Too soon? 🏈👀😫 pic.twitter.com/JDhDzZPFvh
— StreamingRadarDaily🖥 | 5 Star Marketing Advisors (@badgerhugh) September 14, 2024
An easy temptation to have, really
— Joe M. (@J_Michaels25) September 14, 2024That’s a summarization of how far this program has fallen.
I am not out on fickell but it does prove how bare the cupboard was when he got here and just how much of an overhaul that was needed. Think fans wanted instant gratification.
I'm in on baseball with you!
Brewers first pitch at 7. Magic number is 5. Basketball starts next month.
— Corey Otis (@CoreyWOtis) September 14, 2024
Patience is a tough trait in this world
The failure to convert in 4th down early and the fumble are inexcusable. You can’t do that against Bama and expect to win. Sadly there are no game breakers on this team right now, and I know coach is still putting HIS team in place. Winning will take time and patience
— Paul Drabes (@PDrabes13584) September 14, 2024
Curious to see the response over the next few months
Losing to Alabama is no concern. The product through 3 games however is ….not good. Appears to be the least talented Badgers team in a very long time that does nothing well on either side of the ball.
— Brian Miller (@BMillerx31) September 14, 2024
Imperative to develop the young talent
About what you’d expect during the rebuild years. The team was devoid of JR/Sr talent at QB, WR,RB, TE, edge, DL. Thankfully the young guys coming in look to be better
— Wilson (@wilsonmj73) September 14, 2024
Fair. The team is on schedule
I think we all expected to be 2-1 at this point, so 🤷🏻♂️
— In Development 🎯 (@j__1252) September 14, 2024
Certainly a challenge in a new college climate
— Brian S (@BrianSm71994635) September 14, 2024Much has been made of the challenging transition from ground & pound to air raid.
Wisconsin's real challenge is getting oven baked quality (steady and consistent improvement) on both sides of the ball in this microwave NIL and no-penalty transfer era.
A pretty good question. Seems leadership wants it but ...
I feel like there are good fans but as a group, the fan base, leadership, and university, all don’t care enough. I actually like fickell and his staff. They deserve time and patience. But I don’t know if the resources or the care is there to make the football program elite.
— Joel Albers (@Joelinthekee) September 14, 2024
A fair question that I can't answer
My thoughts are what are fans supposed to look forward to? I get it takes time. I’m not saying fire everyone, but what is the goal? What is the long term plan? Why should I keep buying tickets?
— Zach Kirchenwitz (@zkirchenwitz) September 14, 2024
I'll take a slice
— David Wuebben (@DavidWuebben1) September 14, 2024
Contact Jim Polzin at jpolzin@madison.com.
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