Wisconsin experienced a disappointing fourth-quarter collapse leading to a 24-21 defeat against Maryland, renewing doubts surrounding Luke Fickell’s leadership of the Badgers football program.
Recent Struggles and Loss to Maryland
Fickell is currently in his fourth season with the team. Following consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance, Wisconsin reached a 6-4 overall and 4-3 Big Ten record to secure bowl eligibility last week against Rutgers. However, that momentum abruptly stopped with the setback against Maryland.
Maryland dismissed coach Mike Locksley four weeks prior and played without starting quarterback Malik Washington due to an injury. The Terrapins improved to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the conference by scoring 10 points in the final 2:11 to overcome the Badgers, securing their second consecutive victory under interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. Backup quarterback Cardell Williams connected on 21 of 23 passes and generated three touchdowns, while Maryland’s defense restricted Wisconsin to a mere 201 total yards. This outcome follows Maryland’s 27-10 victory over Wisconsin last year, dropping Fickell’s four-year record with the Badgers to 23-25.
Contract Buyout and Rivalry Records
Should new Wisconsin athletic director Shawn Eichorst decide to make a coaching change at the conclusion of the season, the university’s contract with Fickell dictates a buyout exceeding $20 million. Eichorst previously dismissed Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini after a 9-3 regular season following the 2014 campaign. When questioned about whether a late overtime win against Iowa affected his decision at Nebraska, Eichorst stated that he ultimately had to evaluate where the program stood.
A similar evaluation could apply to Fickell, who holds an 0-4 record against the Hawkeyes and has faced a 109-10 scoring deficit across the last three seasons. The Badgers suffered a 30-0 defeat in Iowa City two weeks ago, following a 37-0 home loss the previous year. Additionally, Wisconsin has dropped two consecutive matchups against their rival Minnesota.
Wisconsin concludes the regular season with an away game against Purdue, an opponent the Badgers have defeated in 18 consecutive meetings, followed by a home matchup against Minnesota. The results of these remaining games will likely dictate whether Fickell remains with the program or faces dismissal.
