The Wisconsin Sportscast

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Oates Reveals His “Magic Sauce” for March Madness Picks Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas coaxes Tom Oates into divulging his tips for filling out a bracket in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

“Take your Final Four and work backward. .... Remember the first weekend is always chaos,” advises Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. But he says look out for the teams that may be better than they appear on paper. “Auburn is absolutely the most underseeded in the tournament.”

The veteran journalists are also thrilled that the Badgers played up to their full potential in the Big Ten Tournament. Wisconsin defeated No. 3-ranked Purdue to make it to the championship game but fell to offensively strong Illinois.

“I thought we saw the best of point guard Chucky Hepburn against Purdue and Illinois,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “And a different player — almost each game — is the leading scorer. Which is balanced. But I worry a little about how the Badgers are physically.”

No. 5 seed Wisconsin faces No. 12 seed James Madison in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night. It has the makings of a classic upset, but Oates thinks Wisconsin has the tools to make it through to the next round.

“What James Madison does well is shoot the three with multiple three-pointers and they defend the three well. Wisconsin just has to crush it in the lane,” says Oates. “I think this game comes down to Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl and how much damage they can do. That or someone like AJ Storr or John Blackwell getting in there and taking it to the rim.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Will the Packers Regret Cutting Aaron Jones? Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates discuss Green Bay adding top-notch running back Josh Jacobs to its roster while releasing longtime Packer Aaron Jones.

“I thought Jones would have been a perfect match with Josh Jacobs,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “However, the Packers have a lot of picks in the draft and they can go find themselves another running back. But I can guarantee you one thing, whoever they draft won’t be as good as Aaron Jones.”

The veteran sports journalists also preview the Wisconsin men’s basketball team’s postseason prospects. The Badgers had some discouraging losses in February but delivered an admirable showing during their last regular season game against no. 3 Purdue. Lucas says all eyes are on Wisconsin center Steven Crowl.

“How do you explain Crowl disappearing in some of these games?” asks Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “He was invisible in the Purdue game except for the foul problems. The Badgers can’t win key games without Crowl.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Badgers Lack 'Finishing Power' Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates continue to wait for the Wisconsin men’s basketball team to shore up its defensive game. The Badgers scored 83 points against the Fighting Illini and still lost by eight points.

“Wisconsin has to play defense for 40 minutes like they play for about 20 minutes every game,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “Sometimes, the Badgers just can’t get a stop and it’s been at critical times in games.

Lucas thinks the Badgers have had lackluster ball pressure all season.

“In what’s been the case a lot this year, Wisconsin didn’t have finishing power. They couldn’t close out Illinois when they needed to and they went down in another defeat,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “And that bench has really shortened up, hasn’t it?”

Also on the podcast, the veteran sports journalists — like basketball fans across the country — have caught Caitlin Clark Fever. Lucas notes the Iowa’s star point guard has broken more than the NCAA’s all-time scoring record.

“She's putting people in the seats and not just at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, but around the league,” says Lucas. “What a boost for women’s basketball.”

Oates says Clark has earned all the attention.

“Caitlin Clark doesn’t take a backseat to anyone,” adds Oates. “She’s a sensation and fun to watch.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Much Ado About Court-Storming Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates talk about how to deal with college fans storming the basketball court after a big win. After Wake Forest’s recent upset against Duke, fans injured Blue Devils star Kyle Filipowski.

“How do you even contain it? There were kids on the floor before the final second ticked off in that Duke game against Wake Forest,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “Security has to really concentrate on the visiting players and coaches because that’s where the problem comes in.”

Lucas says the enthusiasm behind court-storming is integral to the fabric of college athletics.

“But does anyone put their phone down?” asks Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “Part of the problem with everyone who was storming the floor in that Wake Forest game was no one was paying attention to where they were running.”

The veteran sports journalists also pay tribute to Badger great Howard Moore, who is being honored at the Kohl Center before the Wisconsin men’s basketball game against Illinois on Saturday.

“Man, I miss Howard,” says Lucas. “Howard would keep after players — relentlessly — to get their degree. He wore the ‘W’ on his chest.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bo Ryan a “No Brainer” for Basketball Hall of Fame Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates provide the history for why former Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Bo Ryan deserves to be inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“What he did at UW-Platteville — alone — is worthy of getting him into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “Bo didn’t get there by recruiting 5-star players. He’s a phenomenal coach…. It’s ridiculous he’s not in already.”

Lucas says Ryan has great passion for the sport.

“If you watched his practices, he didn’t vary from day one to the final day of the regular season,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “Bo is a big-time yes.”

The veteran sports journalists also discuss Wisconsin’s recent loss to Iowa and what that means heading into March Madness. The Badgers' shortcoming can be summed up in one word: Defense.”

“Wisconsin still uses Bo Ryan’s defense and it’s very involved with a lot of rules. A lot of rotation,” says Oates. “Wisconsin has made an absolute living out of playing that great team defense but this team doesn’t seem to be real attuned to it, for whatever reason.”

Finally, Lucas thanks listeners for all their support after he shared recently that he’s fighting stage 4 colon cancer.

“Use me as a lesson. I had a colonoscopy many years ago and then I put it off. I was always too busy,” says Lucas. “Do me a favor, do yourself a favor, schedule a colonoscopy. Do it.”The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Super Bowl Takeaways and the Badger Basketball Slump Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates recap the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Lucas says the better quarterback won.

“(Chiefs QB) Patrick Mahomes led the team in rushing. He’s got one of the most deceptive gates,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “I did think it was a bad first half for a Super Bowl. I thought it dragged. I thought there wasn’t much going.”

Oates agrees Mahomes proved why he’s the best quarterback in the league.

“The Niners played some pretty good defense for most of that game. Even the long drives at the end, they gave up ground grudgingly. The Chiefs had to string together some first downs to go up the field,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. He does think 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan forgot to study the NFL’s new playoff overtime rules.

“He just blew that. As soon as that rule changed about each team being guaranteed a position, they should have looked at the college game and learned something.”

Also on the podcast, the veteran sports journalist discusses whether the Wisconsin men’s basketball team is “fragile” after losing four straight games.

“Where’s the team that kicked Michigan State’s butt at the boards in two games?” asks Oates. “They have strayed from Wisconsin basketball in a number of ways — turnovers, defense, etc.”

Lucas says it doesn’t help that Badgers are without reserve guard Kamari McGee due to injury.

“McGee has been a bit of spark this season coming off the bench because he brings a little fire to the lineup,” says Lucas. “You look at the Badgers' body language during the Rutgers game, there was no fire with any of those guys.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wisconsin Falls to Purdue: The Good, the Bad, and Zach Edey Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates mull over the Badgers’ close defeat to the Boilermakers at the Kohl Center. Lucas says Wisconsin did alright defensively against Purdue’s towering star center Zach Edey.

“Purdue is a better team. I don’t think there is anything bold about that statement,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “But when you go three for 19 from the three-point line, zero for 11 from beyond the arc in the second half — the Badgers didn’t give themselves a chance.”

Oates thinks Wisconsin deserves credit for not giving up ground in the paint.

“But for this team to go from good to great, they need to start knocking down threes on a consistent basis.” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “I’ve said it all year, I think (Badgers guard) Connor Essegian needs to play more.”

The veteran sports journalists also give their takes on Green Bay hiring Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to be the Packers’ new defensive coordinator. Both think the economics of college football will be sending more coaches to the NFL.

“Don't you think he is another example of a college head coach who has said, ‘I’ve had enough?’” asks Lucas. “‘I can’t deal with with NIL or this transfer portal, I’m outta here.’”

Finally on the show, Lucas predicts San Francisco will win Super Bowl LVIII. Oates is backing Kansas City. Neither understands all the griping over Taylor Swift.

“They put her on screen for like 42 seconds in the last game and people are complaining? So what?” laments Oates. “I do think the NFL is pretty damn happy Taylor Swift is going to be at the Super Bowl. I don’t think there is any question about that.”

Lucas adds, "The Swifites are a powerful group.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Doc Rivers, Joe Barry’s Successor, and Greg Gard’s Deep Bench Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates aren’t surprised by the midseason hiring of Doc Rivers to coach the Milwaukee Bucks. Rivers, an NBA veteran, takes over after the Bucks fired first-time head coach Adrian Griffin after just 43 games.

“When the players lose respect for the coach and tune him out, you just have to go a different direction or you’re going to have to change your whole team,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “It was pretty clear the Bucks’ defense wasn’t getting any better.”

“They’ve been just awful on the defensive end,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “But back to Doc Rivers, people just like him. Players like him. Coaches like him. The media likes him.”

Oates says, “The beauty of the Doc Rivers hire is I think the players will be pulling in the same direction. If nothing else, I think you’ll see an immediate transformation there.”

The veteran journalists also discuss the Green Bay Packers’ search for a new defensive coordinator.

“I just want someone who is aggressive,” says Oates, who adds experience would be a plus, too. “Because there is no breaking-in period. The Packers showed, in the second half of this season, they are ready to win.”

Finally on the podcast, Lucas and Oates preview the Wisconsin men’s basketball upcoming games against Nebraska and Purdue.

“(Point guard) Chucky Hepburn has really changed his game,” says Lucas. “He’s tailored his strengths to what the team needs.”

“We’re getting scoring from Max Klesmit, AJ Storr, John Blackwell, and Steven Crowell. That’s the story of this team,” says Oates. “The guy that’s orchestrating all that is Chucky Hepburn…. He’s running the show.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast is a Cap Times podcast produced by Dylan Brogan. Find The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Packers Need A New Defensive Coordinator Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates go over the Green Bay Packers’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Oates says the Packers outplayed the heavily-favored 49ers most of the game. Even so, mistakes were made.

“The missed opportunities later in the game really hurt. The fourth-and-1. The missed field goal. The two interceptions, one of which was a bad throw and one of which was a bad decision,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “Those hurt the most because the game was being decided at that point.”

Lucas just wishes the NFL would figure out how to spot a ball correctly.

“This still boggles most people’s minds, that we’re in 2024 and they don’t have a better system or measurement,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “Couldn’t they set something up like Wimbledon? Where they have the technology so you know if the ball is in or out. Then show it on the screen. Wouldn’t that be the same thing?”

Lucas and Oates also think the Packers are in need of a coaching shakeup next season.

“If it was my choice, I’d say thank you (to Joe Barry) for the way his defense played late in the year,” says Lucas. “And then I’d find another defensive coordinator.”

Finally, the veteran journalists give their Super Bowl picks. Neither think Kansas City will make it but they both like Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“He’s a difference maker like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers in their prime,” says Oates.

“He’s the Max Klesmit of the NFL!” declares Lucas.”

The Wisconsin Sportscast is a Cap Times podcast featuring two of the state's most experienced sports journalists. It’s produced by Dylan Brogan. Find The Wisconsin Sportscast with Lucas & Oates on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

How ‘Bout Them Packers? Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates breakdown Green Bay Packers’ unexpected drubbing of the Dallas Cowboys on their home turf. Oates says Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur outwitted the Cowboys during the 48-32 playoff victory.

“LaFleur has really found himself in the second half of this season. His game plans and his play-calling — he destroyed Dan Quinn, the defense coordinator of the Cowboys, ” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “The way (running back) Aaron Jones has run the ball, four straight games of over 100 yards, that’s phenomenal. That sets up every Matt LaFleur has always wanted to do as coach.”

The veteran journalists also preview the Packers’ Divisional Round matchup against the heavily-favored San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.

“You take a look at (San Francisco’s) marquee players on offense and it’s staggering,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “Can the Packers mount any kind of pass rush against quarterback Brock Purdy?”

Oates says it may come down to Packers’ linebacker Rashan Gary.

“I think Rashan Gary is going to be huge in this game. He has to be a real force…. He’s too good to be a non-factor,” says Oates. “If Rashan Gary can make life miserable for Brock Purdy, I think that’s their best chance of winning.”

Whatever the fate of Green Bay in the playoffs, Lucas says Packers quarterback Jordan Love has exceeded expectations.

“Have you ever seen anyone make such huge strides in improvement from the start of the year to the postseason than Jordan Love?” asks Lucas. “Over the last nine games he has 21 touchdowns passes and one pick. He’s playing as well or better than anyone in the league.”

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