Slumping Badgers playing for pride now
Wisconsin’s 22-10 defeat at Penn State ended many dreams floating around the program since the end of last season.
With most of their playmakers returning, plus one of the best offensive lines in the country to go with a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back, the Badgers had lofty goals for the 2018 season.
After their third loss in the last five weeks, the Badgers (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten West) are reduced to now just playing for a better bowl game. When the Badgers and Purdue both lost last weekend, and Northwestern pulled off a road upset against Iowa, the Big Ten West Division championship went to the Wildcats.
Now without much incentive left, the Badgers are playing for pride and to build momentum for next season with games left against Purdue and Minnesota in the regular season.
“No one’s happy right now,” Wisconsin left guard Michael Deiter said.
“It’s not what we wanted to do. But the reaction can only be, ‘Move on. Get better.’ Simple as that. We’re a good football team, and we just need to play good football the way we can and we’ll win football games. We’ve just got to do it.”
The Wisconsin coaching staff understands the program is in an odd realm, especially considering the goal was to be in the College Football Playoffs, win the West, claim the Big Ten Championship and/or play in the Rose Bowl. The Badgers, though, will continue their streak of playing in a bowl game for the 17th straight season.
“You don’t have to spin it with these guys,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. “From the get-go, we’ve been straightforward with everything. I think we’re all on the same page with the messaging, and it’s clear it helps. We’ve got guys, leaders on this team that help it. So I don’t worry about that part with them.”
One thing is for sure is that the Wisconsin fan base won’t be clamoring for the removal of junior quarterback Alex Hornibrook anytime soon. Once Hornibrook suffered a head injury, the Badgers’ season took a significant downward spiral. With sophomore Jack Coan in the starting lineup, the Badgers lost both games. Coan completed only two passes for 10 yards in the first half against Penn State. He finished the game with two interceptions as the Badgers compiled just 269 total yards.
The good news is Hornibrook opened up the week by participating in Tuesday’s practice, though is status for the Purdue game might be a game-time decision. Besides Hornibrook’s late-season injuries, the Badgers’ swoon can also be directly pointed toward turnovers. In losses to Michigan, Northwestern and Penn State, the Badgers have committed a total of nine turnovers, including seven of which came in UW territory.
