Luke Fickell credits 'more balance' for Wisconsin offense in win over Rutgers

Luke Fickell saw a lot more balance in Wisconsin’s offensive approach in a 42-7 win over Rutgers. With both teams now seemingly going in opposite directions, the Badgers might be hitting a stride at midseason.

Braedyn Locke was accurate pretty much all day and Tawee Walker was a shade off 200 yards for the afternoon. Couple that with a dominant defensive performance, Fickell was all smiles after the win.

How that continues to evolve will be something to watch with Wisconsin.

“I think they’re seeing more balance, relying upon those big guys up front and establishing some things, running the football, as well as be able to take some shots down the field,” Fickell told BTN’s Brooke Fletcher. “And this is the complimentary football we were talking about. You know, I was a little disappointed in the last two minutes, that first half that I think we really needed to take advantage of, but we came out the second half, and did we needed to do.”

Offensive coordinator Phil Longo seemingly unlocked a new gear for the Wisconsin offense and Fickell credited his assistant coach.

“He’s doing a great job, and I know those were challenges all the way through, right,” Fickell said. “I mean, the sign of a good coach, the sign of a good team, is guys that continue to get better, and this team that continues to get better because of the leadership in that locker room there want to and then everybody around us there wants to as well.”

Locke finished with 240 yards on 20-of-28 passing and hjad a touchdown and interception. Walker ran 24 times for 198 yards and three scores.

The defense played lights out against Rutgers but Fickell noticed Wisconsin kept things in front of them Saturday afternoon.

Other than a touchdown to cut it to 28-7 in the fourth quarter, Wisconsin kept Rutgers more than arm’s length away.

“I think it’s mixing it up, but I think it’s eliminating the big plays,” Fickell said. “We’ve done a really good job the last couple weeks eliminating the big plays. Gave up a couple today, but we were strong in the red zone. Again, we want some of those things back to be a little bit greedy. But another group that has really grown and is seeing their best ball as we continue to move forward.”