In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Oates lasted all the way until the 17th inning during the marathon Game Three of the World Series on Monday. 19 pitchers hit the mound between both teams, throwing over 600 pitches over the course of six plus hours. The game was long, Lucas says, but it also cements Shohei Ohtani as maybe the greatest baseball player ever. He was getting the Barry Bonds treatment, drawing four intentional walks, but still delivered a great performance. Did the marathon of a game convince Oates that baserunners in extra innings is a good idea? Of course not.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Steelers on Sunday night as Jordan Love played possibly the best game of his life against his former mentor. Sure, the Steelers defense wasn’t the most impressive thing in the world, but he showed significant growth on Sunday night. Love was patient and calm under the pressure of an intense pass rush, and if he continues to play like that the Packers will be in excellent shape. Especially if Love can continue to work with Tucker Kraft, who very well might be the best tight end in football today. Combine him with a returning Christian Watson and the Packers looked mighty tough Sunday night. The Packers play the Panthers this upcoming Sunday before taking on the Eagles in Monday Night Football. A win against the Eagles in November might prove to be very important come playoff time this year…

Sticking with football, the Badgers fell again to Oregon on Saturday. At least this time they managed to actually score a touchdown. The defense actually played pretty well, Oates thinks, effectively shutting down the Oregon defense during the first half. They played tough and competitive, but how many times have we said that this year? The offense looked about as bad as they have been, and they are unable to move the ball either on the ground or in the air. Hunter Simmons has shown himself to be completely overmatched at this level, and Lucas and Oates both think it’s time for a change. Billy Edwards’ future is still uncertain, but why Simmons is still playing over Danny O’Neil is completely unknown. Do the Badgers have a chance at any viable wins left this year? Likely not against Washington or Indianna, but Illinois? Minnesota? Anybody? 

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Nate Wegehaupt. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.