Look, we’re all not really used to taking the ‘L’ during football season in Wisconsin. Our very own Badgers are 7-5 overall with a Pinstripe Bowl (a Pinstripe Bowl!) game versus Miami left on December 27th. The Badgers began their season ranked 4th in the country after winning the Big Ten West last year and winning the Orange Bowl versus Miami. This year the team faced losses to BYU, Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State and most painfully, a home loss to the Minnesota Gophers.
Not to mention our beloved Green Bay Packers are 4-7-1 overall and 3rd in the NFC North. Last year, the Packers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. After a 17-20 loss versus the Arizona Cardinals, coach Mike McCarthy was fired after being with the team for 13 seasons. With losses to the Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings (ouch), and the Arizona Cardinals, there are only a few games left in the season with virtually no playoff chance.
What has gone wrong? How have we reached this point in Wisconsin football? Unlike what Ariana Grande says, there definitely are tears left to cry, but there are a few ways to cope with this emotional season.
Turn your sadness into support for other Wisconsin teams
Football in Wisconsin may not have gone as planned, but some of our other sports teams are doing great! Badgers Men’s Basketball and Women’s Hockey are off to a great start this season among some of the sports here at UW. The Milwaukee Brewers had a phenomenal season this year, winning their division for the first time since 2011. Their star-studded roster, featuring Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun, Orlando Arcia and many more, clinched their ticket to the 2018 National League Championship — coming just short of making the World Series. The Milwaukee Bucks have also had a great season, starting off their season 7-0 for the first time since the 1971-1972 season. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are currently first in their division and second in their conference.
Start Training for Next Season
The only way to get the team into shape is by becoming the team yourself. Take winter break as the stepping stone to train for the upcoming season. Learn every position and instead of being in the stands, be on the field. You know the team will be in good hands if you’re the team.
Pen a Letter to Congress
Tell them that you’re angry and demand that they somehow get rid of the losses, therefore giving us perfect records. Make sure you add that if they don’t act on this issue soon, Wisconsin will be withdrawing all their cows from dairy production until done so. That’ll teach ‘em.
Emotionally Eat
Gather your closest friends who are also suffering through this epidemic. Head to every restaurant available and get everything off the menu. Eat your feelings. You’ll be in good company as you’re all going through this together.
Support Another Team
Worse comes to worst, become a Bears or Gophers fan…said no one ever. One rough season doesn’t mean that the next won’t be better. Last season our Badgers Men’s Basketball team didn’t make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998, but the team is off to a great start this season.
Cheer up Wisconsin football fans, we’re all with you. It’s been hard to watch, but with both seasons virtually over, it’s time to sit back and forget all about it. Next season will (hopefully) bring us a lot more joy.