Maryland Edges Wisconsin, Fickell’s Future in Question

Wisconsin’s 24-21 loss at Maryland intensified scrutiny of coach Luke Fickell, whose record stands at 23-25 overall and 14-20 in Big Ten play. The Badgers managed 201 yards, turned the ball over three times and surrendered a fourth-quarter lead against a Maryland team that used a backup quarterback and committed 111 yards in penalties. Critics point to repeated losses to unranked opponents and frequent defeats by large margins as evidence that the program has not made dependable progress, while Fickell said Wisconsin did not play well enough to win. Athletic director Shawn Eichorst faces a decision about Fickell’s future; a Dec. 1 dismissal would carry an estimated $21.3 million buyout, though the timing and any negotiations could change the figure.