10 thoughts on Wisconsin football's cathartic win vs. No. 24 Washington
The Badgers get their first Power Four win in over a year against a team that was trying to stay in the race for a College Football Playoff spot.
MADISON, Wis. — Luke Fickell was all smiles at the podium after his first win against a ranked opponent as University of Wisconsin football coach.
He briefly joked with reporters before starting his postgame news conference, a happy one after Wisconsin (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) held on for a 13-10 win over No. 24 Washington (6-3, 3-3)1. One where he didn’t have to answer questions about another loss, as the Badgers hadn’t previously won since Sept. 6.
“It feels really good. Let’s just say that,” Fickell said 90 seconds into his opening statement. “And you guys all know what I mean by that. In this game, you don’t always get what you think you deserve. And I would sit here and tell you that, like I said week in and week out, that these guys deserve something because they continue to battle and they continue to fight.
“And we all know that you get what you deserve, and sometimes you’ve just got to go earn it, and they did an incredible job of earning it tonight.”
It was also a news conference where Fickell’s job security wasn’t questioned thanks to athletic director Chris McIntosh telling multiple outlets days earlier that Fickell was returning for next season.
Let’s dive into the numerous observations from Wisconsin’s upset win over Washington.
A look at the Camp Randall Stadium stands at the beginning of the game told one story …
Two things stood out at kickoff:
There was a lot of purple and black in the stands.
There were noticeably empty seats!
The weather obviously didn’t help, whether it was rain or sleet or snow or whatever was falling during the game. But it also wasn’t surprising considering the team’s performance and its six-game losing streak heading into this conference clash.
For what it’s worth, the announced attendance was 71,217.
… but by the end, the stands certainly told another
The shirtless guys, albeit a smaller lot, returned to the student section!
The energy within Camp Randall Stadium was apparent, especially during the Jump Around between the third and fourth quarters.
Those in attendance were loud and heard throughout the stadium.
Fickell praised the fans and felt they “made a difference.”
“I really do think that, in the second half in particular as (the Huskies) were backed up, coming out of obviously where the student section is, they had a factor,” Fickell said. “And I know for myself as well that it was enjoyable and it was really great to see.”
“I appreciate them and I thank them for that.”
Please don’t try to gatekeep storming the field
It was Wisconsin’s first victory over a ranked opponent since No. 9 Iowa in 2021. With the way this season has gone for the Badgers, this reaction felt more than warranted.
Plus, college football’s supposed to be fun!