In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates mull over the Badgers’ close defeat to the Boilermakers at the Kohl Center. Lucas says Wisconsin did alright defensively against Purdue’s towering star center Zach Edey. 

“Purdue is a better team. I don’t think there is anything bold about that statement,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “But when you go three for 19 from the three-point line, zero for 11 from beyond the arc in the second half — the Badgers didn’t give themselves a chance.” 

Oates thinks Wisconsin deserves credit for not giving up ground in the paint. 

“But for this team to go from good to great, they need to start knocking down threes on a consistent basis.” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “I’ve said it all year, I think (Badgers guard) Connor Essegian needs to play more.” 

The veteran sports journalists also give their takes on Green Bay hiring Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to be the Packers’ new defensive coordinator. Both think the economics of college football will be sending more coaches to the NFL. 

“Don't you think he is another example of a college head coach who has said, ‘I’ve had enough?’” asks Lucas. “‘I can’t deal with with NIL or this transfer portal, I’m outta here.’”

Finally on the show, Lucas predicts San Francisco will win Super Bowl LVIII. Oates is backing Kansas City. Neither understands all the griping  over Taylor Swift.

“They put her on screen for like 42 seconds in the last game and people are complaining? So what?” laments Oates. “I do think the NFL is pretty damn happy Taylor Swift is going to be at the Super Bowl. I don’t think there is any question about that.” 

Lucas adds, "The Swifites are a powerful group.” 

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