He probably will not have to take many this Saturday against Rice, either. Last season, the Owls were the only team in the country to allow opponents to score 100% of the time (42/42) they reached the red zone. Technically, this streak is still alive as Houston Christian (HCU) failed to reach the red zone against Rice last week.

The focus shifts to Rice and Head Coach Scott Abell’s funky offense. Abell’s offense is best described as the service academies’ option attack with just a bit more passing involved.

After going 7-6 in 2023, Fickell’s Badgers have seen their win total drop in each season since, placing him firmly on the hot seat as we enter the 2026 campaign. To be fair, defense has been far from the biggest issue concerning Fickell’s Badgers tenure.