Wisconsin Football Fans Hopeful Despite Loss to Ohio State

Wisconsin football fell to Ohio State on Saturday night, 24-10. The Wisconsin Badgers have lost ten straight matchups against the Buckeyes, but things might be moving in the right direction in Madison.

Despite injuries to some of its key contributors, Wisconsin stayed within one score of OSU until 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. Already without running back Chez Mellusi and starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai, the Badgers lost more to begin the second half. Star running back Braelon Allen sustained a leg injury at the end of the first half and did not return. Wide receiver Chimere Dike also suffered a leg injury and did not play in the second half.

To simply remain competitive against Ohio State, given the circumstances, was unexpected. Redshirt freshman quarterback Braedyn Locke was impressive in just his second career start against a formidable Buckeyes defense. Head coach Luke Fickell appeared unfazed in his first game in Madison against his alma mater. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s defense kept perhaps the best player in all of college football, OSU wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., in check for most of the game.

With all those positives, is there something to build on here in Madison? Some fans certainly think so.

Wisconsin Football Fans React to Badgers Loss to Buckeyes

I didn't expect them to win….. they showed up, and didn't embaress themselves. This year, that's the best to be expected. Give them another year or two and they'll be winning this game!!

— Ingrid Godersky (@IGodersky) October 29, 2023

We can build off this! We will win the west

— Fickell Fan Army (@SlimFick) October 29, 2023

Badgers played hard tonight. 1 score game until 5:00 left. All you can ask as they continue to build 👐🏻

— Josh (@pitt323) October 29, 2023

Overall, it was an encouraging performance. In past years Ohio state would’ve blown Wisconsin out. Like the direction Fickell is taking things.

— mike (@catnipguy) October 29, 2023

Badgers at times performed well. Fought hard. Still bullish on future even if November will be rocky with the injuries.

— Grant Lokken (@glokkenspx) October 29, 2023

Good game. The Badgers are becoming legit. Next year we win this one.

— GEAU PACK 🧀 (@geaupack) October 29, 2023

Badgers down lots of weapons. But fought hard all game.

— Wiscy (@WiscyWear) October 29, 2023

Badgers are a year or two away from really competing with the Big Ten Elite

— The Notorious A.M.P. (@Aye_Pain) October 29, 2023

Welp, we ain't going to win tonight, but the team played very respectably. Ohio State embarrassed Wisconsin a year ago. We need better athletes They're coming.

— The Chicago Badger-Chris McIntosh Stan (@DaChicagoBadger) October 29, 2023

Wisconsin Badgers Fans Like What They See from Redshirt Freshman QB Braedyn Locke

Locke’s performance was perhaps the most notable on the night. The transfer from Mississippi State completed only 18 of 39 passes for 165 yards, but his box score does not reflect how well he played. The Texas native saw a handful of throws bounce off the hands of his intended receivers but still completed a few incredibly impressive throws. He even threw a no-look 13-yard touchdown pass to slot receiver Will Pauling to cap off a seven-play, 75-yard drive, which tied the game at 10-10. Wisconsin football fans noticed the young signal caller’s talent despite the loss.

I'm in on Locke. That's the most important thing I got from tonight.

— rcon14 (@rcon14) October 29, 2023

Not the ideal result, but I’m excited about Braedyn Locke. Kid can spin the ball and has the feel.

— inde(ed)fatigable (@StevevonHorn) October 29, 2023

Although the Badgers lost, the Defense looked the best it has all year(by far). Allen was hurt and the offense didn’t seemed phased. I have a lot of confidence in Locke but the receivers need to make plays to help out too. Also we might need a punter. #badgers #CFB

— James Henry (@1988JBHenry) October 29, 2023

One good thing is the Badgers probably know who their QB1 is for next couple years

— Go Pack Go (@PrideOCucamonga) October 29, 2023

#Badgers hung in there better than I expected against OSU and Locke looks a good QB for the next 3 years. Hope he progresses better than the last 3-5 QBs

— вя (@BR25x) October 29, 2023

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