In recent years, many have criticized University of Wisconsin-Madison students for shuffling into Camp Randall after the kickoff and emptying out after participating in the “Jump Around” tradition between the third and fourth quarters.
After shattering a 22-year bowl game streak and suffering six consecutive losses, including a pair of shutouts, these critics have taken a step back. After all, how can they possibly blame these students for not showing up to watch the team that stands dead-last in the Big Ten conference?
While inevitable that the student turnout has tanked, fans’ booing and chanting as a protest has drawn great controversy.
David Johonett, a sophomore at UW-Madison, said he participated in the booing.
“It puts pressure on the coach and administration. It's one thing to lose a game, it’s another to fall on your back and look lifeless,” Johonett said.
Conversely, senior Henos Aman said he doesn’t find it productive.
“I think that we should be encouraging the team more and trying to stick to it,” Aman said.
While debatable if being booed off of the field creates an incentive for the team, it may deter prospective and current commits.
Wide receiver Tayshon Bardo recently decommitted from Wisconsin, without showing specific interest elsewhere. Could this recent culture of negativity have been Bardo’s final straw?
The line between inspiring change and an uninspiring culture is thin and nuanced. However, regardless of your opinion, it seems the chants and boos aren’t stopping anytime soon, at least not without winning.
Johonett said the student section is “drained.”
“There’s no energy; everyone is just disappointed and nobody’s excited. We can’t fill the student section and nobody is loud because there’s nothing to be loud about,” Johonett said.
Aman agreed, saying the atmosphere at Randall used to be electric.
“This year has been very different. [In past years] I felt like we had hope even if we were losing to come back and maybe win the game but this year when we start losing I feel like we lose the crowd for the most part,” Aman said.
Johonett attended every game last year, aside from the Minnesota game that fell over Thanksgiving break. But this year, despite having season tickets, he said he likely won’t attend any more games.
Aman said he only planned to continue attending games since he is a senior.
Despite the Badger’s falloff this season, Johonett remains somewhat positive for the future of Badger football.
“I think that with the right investment and development we’ll be back sooner than most expect,” Johonett said.
He lists true freshman Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano as two of many players that he can see making an impact.
As students demand change and questions loom about what is needed to bring this program back to life, head coach Luke Fickell makes one thing clear.
“There's no quit in me and the most important thing is that there’s no quit in that locker room,” Fickell said.
After a bye week, Wisconsin will continue its strenuous schedule, facing No. 24 Washington at Camp Randall at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
