3 reasons why Wisconsin lost to Iowa

In a potential must-win game, Wisconsin fell to Iowa XXXXXX. Not much went right for the Badgers on a night when it seemed like the entire season would pass. Luke Fickell and Co. will have many areas to clarify as they bid farewell, but there are three main reasons why this ship sank.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke has thrown at least one interception in six straight games and his ball security issues are on everyone's lips. The offensive play calls and wide receiver drops didn't help his cause, but there's no doubt the Badgers didn't deliver quality play at the position. Fans are clamoring for a spark and a new direction, but with No. 1 Oregon next on the schedule, there likely won't be a move for freshman Mabrey Mettauer.

Wisconsin has always been a ground-and-pound team that relied on strong offense and strong defense. However, this season it feels like the Badgers don't have many qualities to boast about. It's just hard to point out a few or even one thing that they do really well. Losing is one thing, but losing without any direction forward is just annoying. Fickell needs to figure out what this team is all about or it could cost him.

For the third time this season, Wisconsin gave up 38 or more points in a game. The loss to Iowa was their biggest loss to the Hawkeyes since 1968 and just another game where the game plan and system were called into question. The Badgers spent a fair amount of nickel during the game, an odd choice for an opponent that clearly had no intention of folding. The lack of pressure and ability to stop the run has doomed this defense all season.