It didn’t take long for Badgers fans to miss Jim Leonhard.
As folks in Wisconsin adjust to life with Luke Fickell, they watched their beloved team fall behind to Washington State 24-9 at the half on Saturday and eventually lose to the Cougars despite a late comeback attempt.
Washington State coach Jake Dickert after upset of Wisconsin: ‘We belong in the Power Five’ https://t.co/tYiNg6GHsr
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 10, 2023
Here’s what some folks had to say on social media throughout the game:
“The ghost of Jim Leonhard might haunt Wisconsin’s defense this season,” a user said.
The ghost of Jim Leonhard might haunt Wisconsin’s defense this season
— Riley (@BadgersRiley) September 10, 2023
“$20 million, bring back Jim Leonhard,” another propositioned.
$20 million, bring back Jim Leonhard
— Mara ✡️🍌 (@SoulofSowell) September 10, 2023
“What a coaching/ play calling disaster… that’s all. Badgers looked like unprepared high schoolers,” a fan tagged Wisconsin. “Is Jim Leonhard still available?”
@BadgerFootball What a coaching/ play calling disaster… that’s all. Badgers looked like unprepared high schoolers. Is Jim Leonhard still available?
— Phil N LeBlanc (@FrankieJ31) September 10, 2023
“Badgers under Paul Chryst last year: Lost to Washington State by 3. … Badgers under Luke Fickell this year: Lost to Washington State by 9. … Should’ve kept Jim Leonhard,” a local sports director replied.
Badgers under Paul Chryst last year: Lost to Washington State by 3.
Badgers under Luke Fickell this year:
Lost to Washington State by 9.Should’ve kept Jim Leonhard. pic.twitter.com/IAEuvuazQ6
— Rob Schiff WKBT (Trust me) (@robschiff316) September 10, 2023
“So Jim Leonhard’s contract with Illinois was only for one year, right?” another fan asked.
So Jim Leonhard’s contract with Illinois was only for one year, right? 🙄
— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) September 10, 2023
Tough times in Badgerland.