Wisconsin is 13-8 in Luke Fickell’s second full season in Madison.
The Badgers started 2-0, losing at home to Alabama (42-10) and Southern California (38-21), but have improved offensively recently.
The Badgers are on a three-game winning streak, winning last week against Purdue (52-6), Rutgers (42-7) and Northwestern (23-3).
“They’ve been playing their best football for the last three weeks.” Franklin said. “They really come around.”
Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator is Phil Longo, who, like Franklin, started his career at East Stroudsburg.
“I would like to use this as a reference.” he said proudly.
UW has always been a run-first team. Franklin told Longo “He comes from a spread RPO tempo background, but he’s evolved and I think part of that evolution is being in Wisconsin and being with Luke. There’s a clear commitment to running the football. Just running the football, it might be a different way of running the ball than we’re used to seeing from Wisconsin, but it’s still very effective.”
The Badgers’ quarterback is Bradyn Lock, a transfer from Mississippi State, and their frontrunner is Towee Walker, a transfer from Oklahoma State.
Franklin said receiver-returner Vinnie Anthony is explosive and issued a warning to the University of Wisconsin’s special teams.
Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator is Mike Tressel, the nephew of former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
Recipient growth
Prolific tight end Tyler Warren leads the Nittany Lions with 40 catches, but Franklin is also encouraged by the progress of his wide receivers, who have contributed in big moments.
Trey Wallace had 17 catches, followed by Omari Evans and Liam Clifford with 11 and Julian Fleming with nine.
Two of Fleming’s receptions came on fourth-down plays, keeping the Lions’ chances alive at USC.
“I was pleased and impressed with our wide receiver room, their production, their ability to impact the game and the other guys doing that as well.” Franklin said. “It’s not just one guy. We have to continue to develop that. We all know 44 (Warren) is going to get a lot of attention, so they have more chances. It should be.”
Use of byes
Franklin said he used last week’s bye to help him scout, recruit and get started at Wisconsin.
“I got a lot of work done.” he said.
There were some big games involving potential playoff opponents, including Georgia vs. Texas and Tennessee vs. Alabama, but Franklin didn’t return from recruiting until late Saturday night.
Other staff members also took a look.
“Now that we have more staff, will we be able to get ahead of other opponents, future opponents, etc. Yeah, just a little bit.” he said. “But again, it’s better to make sure the next opponent on the schedule gets the right amount of attention, focus and respect. 1-0 mentality. But also the work ahead. There are some things in progress.”
frog dosage
Cael Sanderson, who led the Nittany Lion wrestling program to 10 national titles in 14 seasons at PSU, told the football team during the off week.
Sanderson made his annual visit with the team this summer.
“Obviously, the Frogs have done a phenomenal job and are widely respected, not just across campus and in the community, but I know especially on our team and in our locker room.” Franklin said. “He came in this summer and we brought him back to further strengthen that because we thought his message resonated with our players.”
Mr. Franklin said Mr. Sanderson emphasized that “to exist” and “Control what you can control and don’t breathe in, read, or listen to outside voices or words.”
worthy of attention
-Franklin said he would like to redshirt true freshman running back Quinten Martin, who has played in three games and would need to play in two more games to forfeit his redshirt. Martin is third-team behind Nick Singleton and Caitron Allen.
• Franklin and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter met with KJ Winston and his parents last week. Winston was ejected from the Bowling Green game and has not played since. Franklin admitted: “Long-term injury” However, he did not say whether Winston might return later this season. “Right now, KJ is focused on getting healthy.” he said.
• Kickoff for the Nov. 2 game against visiting Ohio State has been confirmed for noon Monday. It will be televised by Fox.
