If Fickell’s first two years at Wisconsin have proved anything, it’s that there are no guarantees in this process.

The Wisconsin Badgers lost a 24-7 game to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, marking their third rivalry loss of the season, dropping their record to 5-7. With a bowl game on the line, there was hope that Wisconsin could muster enough energy to pull off a much-needed victory.

Wisconsin has a string of 22 consecutive bowl appearances and winning seasons. Both streaks are in jeopardy as the Badgers prepare to close their regular season by hosting Minnesota in the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe.