In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates declare two wins for transparency in Big Ten sports. Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell heeded the call to let his offensive and defensive coordinators speak to the media. And Big Ten coordinator of officiating Bill Carollo and NCAA rules editor Steve Shaw made a point to weigh-in on a controversial call made in the final minutes of Iowa’s 12-10 loss to Minnesota. 

The Badgers recovered from a poor first half to defeat Illinois 25-21. Quarterback Braedyn Locke was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after the comeback win. 

“I really liked [wide receiver] Will Pauling and the chemistry that seemingly was developing between Locke and Pauling. I thought Pauling had a heckuva game,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. He’s also impressed by Badger running back Braelon Allen.

“He showed the type of passion that Wisconsin wants to see out of their players. He made it work when they needed it. The second effort out of Braelon was outstanding. He showed a little bit of durability late in the game.” 

Also on the show, Lucas asks Oates, “Should Packers fans be worried?”

“They should be very concerned. Green Bay has had some games against weak opponents with plenty of time to prepare. They’ve scored six points in the first half over the last four games,” says Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “Whenever you get a rebuilding team — and yes, this is a rebuilding team — you want to see improvement. It’s the same with a new regime like Wisconsin. They're in similar boats. You want to see game-to-game improvement.” ‘

Lucas has a message for Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur: “Take the training wheels off your quarterback!” 

Oates agrees: “They’re losing anyway.” 

Finally, is Lucas a cranky old man or are you also bothered by Fox Sports broadcasting team Eric Collins and Devin Gardner?

The Wisconsin Sportscast is a Cap Times podcast featuring two of the state's most experienced sports journalists. It is produced by Dylan Brogan. Find The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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