Wisconsin's Defense 'Every Bit as Much of a Work in Progress' as the Offense

Luke Fickell understands there's work to be done on both sides of the ball.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team is in the thick of its fall camp, and head coach Luke Fickell knows that the hard work has only just begun.

Coming off last season's disappointing 7-6 finish, the pressure is on for the Badgers to finally establish a clear identity—on both sides of the ball. 

But Fickell isn’t one to dance around the truth. He knows exactly what they’re up against and the challenges that lie ahead for this program. 

So when Fickell was asked about where Phil Longo's offense stands and what it will take for that side of the ball to improve, he didn’t hesitate. He knows there’s still plenty of work to be done—not just on offense, but on the Wisconsin Badgers defense as well.

"Everybody talks a little bit," Fickell said. "I do think that the defense was every bit as much of a work in progress."

Let’s pause there. Wisconsin’s defense, under Mike Tressel, showed flashes last season—sure. But no one’s crowning them yet. The truth is, this unit has some real work ahead.