Georgia holds top spot, but how high did USC and Michigan climb in latest Coaches Poll?
Caroline Darney breaks down all the action from Week 13 of college football and how it played a role in the latest College Football Coaches Poll.
SportsPulse, USA TODAY
MADISON, Wis. — Not long after Luke Fickell arrived in Madison on Sunday night, Wisconsin’s 31st head football coach met with his new team.
That meant Fickell had a captive audience of dozens of players, most of whom were openly rooting to see Jim Leonhard promoted from interim head coach to full-time head coach.
Fickell, who recently completed his sixth season at Cincinnati, understood he needed to start the bonding process by being open and honest.
“You’ve just got to be yourself,” he said Monday during his introductory news conference. “You’ve got to be authentic. You’ve got to be real. It takes time.”
NEWSLETTER: Get all the latest sports news and stories delivered to your inbox
NCAA RE-RANK: Ohio State tumbles down to No. 5 after being humbled by Michigan
BOWL PROJECTIONS: Southern California, Michigan move into CFP field
Fickell was Ohio State’s interim head coach for the 2011 season. After the Buckeyes finished 3-5 in the Big Ten and 6-7 overall, Urban Meyer was hired as the full-time head coach. Fickell remained on the staff as the co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach.
“The unique thing I’ve got is that I was in the position,” he said. “I had a great relationship with a lot of the guys, just like Jim has.
“What we do understand is while young men are emotional, they also are resilient. Whatever is best for them they will do. Building a relationship is a big deal. (But) it’s not trying to overtake somebody else’s relationship, which I’m not trying to do.”
Fickell, who compiled a 63-25 record at Cincinnati, has much work to do before the Badgers open the 2023 season Sept. 2 against visiting Buffalo.
He must put together his coaching staff, convince any of the current players pondering transferring…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | Badgers Wire…