The Oregon Ducks followed up their Week 7 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers with a 56-10 drubbing of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. For the Ducks to leave no doubt about making the CFP, they’ll have to finish the regular-season with five more wins.
Next up on the schedule is the Wisconsin Badgers, who have been one of, if not the worst, Power Four teams.
Advertisement
They began the season with two wins over Miami (OH) and Middle Tennessee before dropping their last five games — each in blowout fashion. Their last two efforts have been especially atrocious, as they lost 37-0 to the Iowa Hawkeyes and 34-0 to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Head coach Luke Fickell took over the program in late 2022 after a wildly successful stint at Cincinnati in which he led them to a College Football Playoff appearance. That success has not come in two and a half seasons at Wisconsin, as he has a 15-18 record, including what looks to be a regression in each year.
As part of our preview coverage of Oregon vs. Wisconsin, we asked Badgers Wire expert Ben Kenney a variety of questions, ranging from the vibe of the program, Fickell’s standing as the head coach, passing game woes, a final score prediction and his take on what needs to happen — if anything — for the Badgers to keep it close with the Ducks.
Feeling Around the Program
A Wisconsin Badger fan wears a bag on his head in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Ducks Wire: The Badgers are now 2-5 and have lost five games in a row, the latest being a 34-0 drubbing at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes at home. What’s the feeling around Wisconsin football right now and is there a path to turn this season around?
Advertisement
Badgers Wire: The feeling is far from positive, believe it or not. The on-field product has arguably fallen to its worst level in more than 30 years, with the team having been outscored 71-0 over its last two games. Most of the time, such a stretch would lead to a coaching change. However, Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh recently expressed yet another vote of confidence in Luke Fickell. So while the fanbase is unhappy with the team’s current performance, it’s arguably more fed up with the program’s plan moving forward.
Head Coach Situation
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell reacts in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
DW: As you mentioned, it appears that Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh is backing head coach Luke Fickell amid a string of disappointing seasons since being hired in 2022. Does he still have the command of the team? What’s your take on the situation?
Advertisement
BW: It’s hard to say whether he has command of the team without being in the locker room. But the results are the results. Wisconsin has lost 10 straight gamse to Power Four competition, including five straight to open the 2025 season. Dating back to halftime of the Michigan game on Oct. 4, it has been outscored 85-3. That indicates major problems, of which command may be one of them.
Passing Game Struggles
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Hunter Simmons (15) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
DW: There are just 13 teams that average fewer passing yards per game than Wisconsin. Walk us through the Badgers’ quarterback situation and what’s gone wrong for the passing attack as a whole.
Advertisement
BW: Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. was the team’s starter entering the year, though he injured his knee during the opener and has yet to return to full strength. San Diego State transfer Danny O’Neil took over, though he was benched after just two starts. Third-string Hunter Simmons, who joined the program as a spring transfer, has now taken the reins. He’s completed just 55% of his passes, with one touchdown and four interceptions. There’s a lot wrong with the team’s offense, including an offensive line that hasn’t lived up to expectations. But both Simmons and O’Neil have struggled mightily passing the football.
Keeping it Competitive
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 18: Roger Saleapaga #83 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with Jamari Johnson #9 of the Oregon Ducks after a play during the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
DW: What needs to happen in order for Wisconsin to keep it competitive against Oregon?
Advertisement
BW: Honestly, I don’t see any scenario where the team does. It needs a ton of luck, some fortunate bounces of the football, a perfect offensive showing and to hold Oregon to field goals. I’d bet on the latter being the most realistic. But this team hasn’t delivered a strong offensive game against a P4 team in more than a calendar year. It’s hard to see the Oregon matchup breaking that streak.
Prediction
Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) is tackled by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Kevin Levy (24) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
DW: Final score prediction?
BW: Oregon 45, Wisconsin 6
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Breaking down the Oregon Ducks vs. Wisconsin Badgers game in Week 9
