From Wisconsin Badgers On SI · · 2m
Wisconsin Badgers Lose Due to Officiating
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell blames controversial penalties for loss to UCLA.
In brief
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell blames controversial penalties for loss to UCLA. Wisconsin's loss to UCLA was worsened by officiating errors, including a nose wipe penalty and blindside block call. Originally reported by Wisconsin Badgers On SI.
Wisconsin Lost to UCLA
Wisconsin didn't lose to No. 12 UCLA on Saturday because of the officiating.
Poor Passing Performance
Wisconsin completed less than 40% of their passes for 66 yards while allowing a backup quarterback to toss for 264 yards on 67% completion.
Situational Decisions
They made poor situational decisions, couldn't possess the ball, couldn't get off the field on third down, and didn't generate much pressure.
Officiating Criticized
The referees certainly didn't help the Badgers in Pasadena, and given some flags they threw and didn't throw in crucial moments, it's fair to argue the officiating hurt Wisconsin's chances more than the Bruins.
10 Penalties Total
Wisconsin was flagged 10 times for a total of 102 yards.
Nose Wipe Penalty
Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph was given a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty for his 'nose wipe' first down celebration.
Fickell on Nose Wipe
We gotta be smart.There’s a discipline thing, something about the nose wipe.I didn’t see it, to be honest, I had to pull it from the TV copy cause it’s not on our copies of things.
Joseph's Reaction
Joseph was clearly as dumbfounded as everyone watching after the game.
Mason Posa Penalty
Mason Posa was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after an interception.
Fickell on Posa
We got a taunting call that, let’s just be honest, on Posa after an interception, I don’t know that I would say is a problem in a junior high game.
Blindside Block
Malachi Coleman was penalized for a blindside block on a play.
Fickell on Legal Block
They came back and said, pretty wide open, that’s not a blindside block. It’s a big hit, but it’s one of those ones where you tell your guys, square a guy up.
The short version
Wisconsin's loss to UCLA was worsened by officiating errors, including a nose wipe penalty and blindside block call.
