Wisconsin football looks to be in stronger shape right now under Luke Fickell. Beating nationally-ranked Penn State in stunning fashion helps the coach's case. The Badgers enter Saturday's showdown with Michigan State on a three-game winning streak.
But Fickell remains on the hot seat. More so due to these red-hot coaching names surfacing. Both of whom come with ties to Madison.
ESPN college football insider Adam Rittenberg pointed out two names to closely monitor. Especially if things still unravel under Fickell.
Rittenberg explained why New Mexico head coach Jason Eck and Wake Forest head man Jake Dickert are worth monitoring.
Article Continues Below“Two of the most appealing candidates in the cycle, Eck and Dickert, both have ties to Wisconsin,” Rittenberg explained. “Eck played offensive line for coach Barry Alvarez's Rose Bowl teams in the late 1990s. Dickert grew up near Milwaukee and played college ball at Wisconsin-Stevens Point.”
So the latter has no ties to the Badgers directly. But is familiar with the state and region, which bodes greatly for recruiting. Dickert immediately has turned the Demon Deacons into a winning product, going 12-5 overall so far.
Eck, meanwhile, has turned a floundering Lobos program into one of the favorites to win the Mountain West Conference title. Last season's New Mexico team nearly played for an MWC championship. New Mexico also is a potential Group of Five contender for the 12-team College Football Playoffs, especially if Pac-12 leader and No. 22 Boise State falters.
The Badgers an Fickell still face a tough road ahead. Wisconsin faces three ranked foes still in No. 23 UCLA, No. 18 USC and No. 14 Iowa down the road. Those contests will determine if Fickell stays or leaves Madison.