The Talkin' Badgers crew sat down to discuss what we saw from Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team in their too-close-for-comfort 28-14 win over Western Michigan at Camp Randall in Week 1.

Now, we don’t have to tell you—this one wasn’t as smooth as Wisconsin fans had hoped. There were moments where it felt like this game could’ve slipped right through the Badgers' fingers if not for a lucky bounce on that punt from Atticus Bertrams that was recovered by safety Austin Brown.

Against our better judgment, we take a Glass-half-full approach—there were some good things to take away from this game. Offensively, we saw a few flashes of what this team could potentially be when the running game found some rhythm and was able to sustain drives.

Defensively, the Wisconsin Badgers made some key stops when it mattered, showing some grit even when things got tight. But is that enough to feel good about where this team is heading? We’ll touch on that.

Then, we’ve got the glass half-empty part of the show. Let’s be real—there’s plenty to be concerned about. The inconsistency on offense, specifically in the red zone, some trouble on the defensive line, and, of course, the fact that this game was a lot closer than it should have been.

We’ll break down where the cracks are and what needs to change before Wisconsin gets into the meat of the schedule.

And finally, I’ve got a hot take about the Badgers coaching staff that I need to get off my chest. This might ruffle some feathers, but that’s what we do here. So stick around for that—it’s coming up in the ladder half of the show.

Will Jason Long, being the level-headed guy he is, talk some reason into me?

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