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2w ago

After Maryland Loss, Wisconsin AD Backs Luke Fickell as Alvarez Decries 'Fire Fickell' Chants

A costly contract buyout is a key factor in the school's decision to stay the course heading into October.

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Overview

  • Wisconsin fell 27-10 to Maryland at Camp Randall, trailing 20-0 at halftime and scoring its lone touchdown in the final 28 seconds.
  • Athletic director Chris McIntosh publicly affirmed his belief in Fickell and the program after the game, urging unity around the players.
  • Program icon Barry Alvarez called the in-game chants to fire Fickell "embarrassing" in a radio appearance, criticizing fans for turning on the team.
  • Fickell is 15-15 in two-plus seasons, is under contract through 2031 at $7.7 million this fall, and would carry an estimated season-ending buyout of about $25 million if dismissed.
  • Injuries remain a factor as QB Billy Edwards Jr. briefly returned before exiting, and Wisconsin enters a bye ahead of an Oct. 4 trip to Michigan followed by Iowa, Ohio State and Oregon, with the Badgers on a six-game Big Ten skid.