Luke Fickell Expresses 'Utmost Confidence' in Badgers Defense for Oregon Matchup

The last time the Badgers' pass defense was this stifling for an entire season was in 2006, allowing only 138.2 yards per game. Limiting big plays has also been a strong suit, as Wisconsin has given up just two plays of 40+ yards, tied with Ohio State for the fewest in the country. However, run defense has been another story—sitting at 112th in EPA per rush (0.10) and allowing 164.6 yards per game on average. 

“They're gonna be challenged in different ways," Fickell said of the Badgers defense. "This one will be different, maybe more than any that we've seen the entire year. The ability for them to throw the football down the field, the dynamic wide receivers that they have, the quarterback's abilities to make plays with his feet and in the air.”

Redshirt junior cornerback Ricardo Hallman might finally get the chance to make a play for the Wisconsin defense. So far this season, Hallman has been the least targeted cornerback in the Power 5 on a per-snap basis, with just one target for every 11.3 reps he’s been on the field. Hallman's 18 targets rank him as the least targeted player among those who have seen at least a 50% snap share for their football team. 

Despite the daunting task at hand, Fickell voiced faith in his defense. 

"We've got guys who we believe are really good football players," said Fickell. "They're gonna be put in some positions to be challenged. 

"I've got the utmost confidence they'll step up to the challenge.”

In addition to Nyzier Fourqurean and Austin Brown, further responsibility will be placed on the Badgers' safety pairing of Hunter Wohler and Preston Zachman on the back end, who received praise from Oregon's head coach during his media availability.

“They’re good tacklers," Lanning told reporters. "They do a great job disguising coverages and this is one of the more talented secondaries we’ve seen. You see that show up with them.”

The matchup between Wisconsin and No. 1 Oregon presents another formidable test for the Badgers, but it also offers an opportunity for the program to secure the first signature win of Fickell’s tenure, with expectations all but nonexistent. While a victory is a long shot, Tressel's defense will need to rise to the occasion and find a way to slow down Oregon’s explosive offense to have any chance at pulling off the upset. 

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