3 Big Things From Wisconsin Football Loss vs. Indiana

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football team headed to Bloomington, Indiana, where the Badgers haven’t lost in 20 years.

In what was a must-win game to stay alive in the Big Ten West, Wisconsin was embarrassed in a 20-14 loss.

Here are three big things from the Wisconsin Badgers loss.

Replacing Braelon Allen

Wisconsin football would be without star running back Braelon Allen after his injury vs Ohio State last week. Already without Chez Mellusi, how would Wisconsin replace their top 2 running backs? Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli would share the workload and did a fine job.

The first half was a struggle, but in the third quarter, the Badgers found some success running the ball. Yacamelli did fumble the ball once, but other than that, I think both backs did a fine job stepping in for Allen and Mellusi. If Allen has to miss more time going forward, I feel okay with this duo, as they combined for 96 yards rushing on 21 carries.

Wisconsin Football has a QB Controversy

One of the biggest surprises from this game, besides the loss, was Quarterback Tanner Mordecai being available to play.

A couple of weeks removed from breaking a bone in his throwing hand, the transfer QB was dressed and available. Redshirt Freshman Braedyn Locke has been a roller coaster in his time stepping in. Some great moments, like we saw against Ohio State, but then too many misses on essential plays. One that comes to mind was a 4th and 2 where he missed a wide-open receiver that would have kept the drive alive. Too often, we have seen the ball misplaced or batted down at the line of scrimmage.

Wisconsin football has to look to switch some things up, especially offensively. If Mordecai is genuinely healthy and ready to go, I think he should be the starter moving forward. Wisconsin misses his decision-making and his ability to run the ball. Either way, Coach Fickell has a QB controversy on his hands and has a tough decision to make moving forward.

Wild Wild West

This loss all but sealed the Wisconsin football team’s fate in the Big Ten West.

They no longer control their destiny moving forward. Wisconsin football does have a favorable schedule moving forward, but after the loss to Indiana, I’m not sure any game is a sure win. Iowa sneaked out of Evanston with a win yesterday, and Illinois stole one in Minneapolis.

Anything can happen in the Big Ten West, but don’t hold your breath on this team making a run to the Big Ten Championship. Let’s focus on becoming bowl-eligible with one more win.

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