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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/TobiasHairless on 2025-09-21 16:00:22+00:00.

Original Title: [Milwaukee Journal Sentinal] - Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh: “After a tough loss like we had, when we’re faced with adversity, playing through a lot of challenges … I just think it’s important that I express my support for Luke, for our staff. I think it’s important.”

www.jsonline.com/story/sports/…/86270861007/

Full article:

MADISON - Chris McIntosh watched the game. He heard the fans chant for Luke Fickell’s head. He understands their frustration.

But the faith the University of Wisconsin’s director of athletics has in his football head coach remains strong.

“After a tough loss like the one we’ve had, when we’re faced with adversity, when we’re playing through a lot of challenges right now that exist, I think mostly about the people around our program, our coaching staff, Luke, our players and everybody else that supports our program,” McIntosh said. “I just think it’s important that I express my support for Luke, for our staff. I think it’s important.”

McIntosh spoke to reporters from the Journal Sentinel and Wisconsin State Journal following the Badgers’ 27-10 loss to Maryland on Sep. 20 at Camp Randall Stadium. The loss was UW’s second straight uninspired performance and unlike the loss to Alabama last week it came at home to a 10-point underdog that was playing a true freshman quarterback.

In the first half alone, the Badgers threw an interception, had a field goal attempt blocked and a punt blocked.

But UW has suffered tough losses before. What compelled McIntosh to speak to the public, though the media, was the team’s players.

“It’s sharing my belief in the program and the people around our program, specifically Luke,” McIntosh said. “I think I owe it to our players to do that. I appreciate the method in which they come to practice every day and the effort that they give.

“There were some kids today that laid it all out on the line. I think when you have kids that have given it all and are faced with, as a program, adversity like this, I think it’s a time for our people to come together, and I think it’s a time for me to express my support.”

Fickell is 15-15 at Wisconsin. Dating back to last season, the Badgers have dropped six straight Big Ten games. Four of the losses were lopsided.

As a result, not only are fans frustrated, but so too are former players, some of whom shared their thoughts on social media.

“Generally speaking, I think every player that’s ever come through here has been at some point in their playing career with some level of adversity, and I can appreciate that,” McIntosh said. “That’s how you get better. You grow, and it’s not easy.”

McIntosh harkened back to his own experience. As a freshman and sophomore he was part of teams that went 8-8 in the Big Ten.

From those struggles the Badgers’ 1998 and ’99 Big Ten championship teams were born. UW is a long way from that.

The loss dropped the Badgers to 2-2 and was disheartening due to not only the product on the field Saturday but the schedule that is ahead.

After a bye week, the Badgers play at No. 20 Michigan and then return home to face Iowa and No. 1 Ohio State before wrapping up October at No. 5 Oregon.

Given what’s ahead, the Maryland game was viewed as a must win.

Part of turning around the season will involve getting healthy. Saturday, No. 1 quarterback Billy Edwards (sprained knee) returned to action after missing the last 2 ½ games but he lasted only one series and one play before he was unable to continue.

The Badgers were also without center Jake Renfro (ankle) and safety Preston Zachman (lower body) for the entire game. Running back Dilin Jones got hurt late in the first half and didn’t return.

When asked, McIntosh called the team’s injuries “not an excuse, but it’s a reality” and noted the importance Edwards brings with his presence.

“As much of a leader as he has been of this locker room, that creates a huge void for us…,” McIntosh said of Edwards’ absence. “You can see it on the sidelines. But to have someone like Billy in the huddle in those moments when it’s on, that’s hard to overcome.”

While the “Fire Fickell” chants were hard to ignore, McIntosh has not been free of criticism. In fact, some fans are calling for his job, too.

“I don’t think about that,” he said. “Right now, my role, my history in this program, what this program means to me, my job, my role, who I am, is to think about what I can do to help.”