The Wisconsin Sportscast

Latest Episodes:

Jordan Love Playing Like a Franchise QB Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates ring in the new year with an analysis of the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers. Oates says Jordan Love's steady improvement this season has won over fans who are used to Hall of Fame level quarterbacks at Lambeau.

“He might just be our franchise quarterback of the future, “says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “He and (head coach) LaFleur have an unbelievable relationship that is really paying off for both of them. LaFleur is running the offensive he’s always wanted to run. And Love is doing it the correct way…I’m not sure that was the case in the past with the former quarterback.”

Lucas notes that the Packers' receiving core is the youngest in the NFL.

“You also have to be impressed by Love’s targets. His receivers. A group of relatively unknowns who just go out and make plays,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “All these guys have stepped up. Jayden Reed has been tremendous.”

Oates agrees Green Bay's entire offensive has been playing well. But he’s disturbed by one statistic.

“They don’t score quite as many points as their yardage totals might indicate. They go on a lot of long drives that, for one reason or another, don’t end with points,” says Oates.

“They got to finish better,” says Lucas. “And their field goal kicking scares the hell out of me.”

Finally on the show, is the Wisconsin men’s basketball team the second-best in the Big Ten behind Purdue? Lucas and Oates both think so.

“The Badgers have been so good this season at attacking the rim,” says Oates. “If they can get the outside shot game going with what they have already established they can do inside, I think it’s going to be a reality elite-level offensive team.”

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Why LaFleur and the Packers can't fire Joe Barry yet Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates discuss whether former Milwaukee Brewer Gary Sheffield should be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Then, the veteran sports journalist get into why Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur is stuck with defensive coordinator Joe Barry — at least for now.

“There’s no one else (LaFleur) can turn to to run the defense,” says Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “You can’t bring in someone from the outside now. That’s just not the way football works. It would be mutiny on the bounty with the staff.”

Lucas says it wasn’t just the Packers’ defense that struggled during Green Bay’s loss to Tampa Bay.

“You can’t cut much slack for Jordan Love, either,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers.” He wasn’t sharp.”

Also on the show, Lucas and Oates suss out what the Wisconsin men’s basketball team needs to beat teams like Purdue.

“Wisconsin has to improve in one key area and I think they can play with anybody: Three-point shooting,” says Oates.

Lucas adds, “Hello, Mr. Essegian,” in reference to the slump of previous 3-point ace Connor Essegian.

Finally, a response to a recent post by Lucas on X (formerly Twitter) has the Cap Times reporter questioning everything.

“One of the posts said, ‘You just sound like Tom Oates now,’” Lucas recalls. “How ‘bout that?”

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.
Program note: The Wisconsin Sportscast crew will take time off over the holidays and anticipates returning with a new episode Jan. 8.

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Packers deflated by Giants, but UW volleyball is dancing Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates dissect Green Bay’s narrow loss at the Meadowlands to the New York Giants. Oates blames defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defensive strategy.

“What ever happened to the notion that when you face a young quarterback, you blitz the living heck out of him?” asks Oates, the former Wisconsin State Journal sports columnist. “It seems like (Barry) trots the same defense out there, every week, no matter who the opponent is. That’s bad coaching.”

“The Packers had zero sacks,” reiterates Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “What bothered me most was allowing the Giants to recover after the Packers had driven (for) what looked like the game-winning score, allowing them to get in field goal position. What was that all about?”

Also on the show, the veteran sports journalists discuss the Wisconsin football team's new quarterback recruit: Tyler Van Dyke.

“He’s a pro-style quarterback. ... He’s not a running quarterback,” says Lucas. “I thought that’s what opened up the Wisconsin attack this year with Tanner Mordecai, when he was available. He was almost more efficient running the ball than throwing it.”

Finally, the Badgers volleyball squad is headed back to the Final Four.

“A delight to watch. I’ve never seen athletes seemingly enjoy the competition as much as this volleyball team,” says Lucas. “It could be tense as all get-out on the floor and you see them in the huddle smiling and laughing and dancing to the music!”

"Nothing wrong with that,” says Oates. “It’s sports. It’s supposed to be fun.”

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The Mess Created by NIL Money Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates lead off the show by examining the angles on the Milwaukee Brewers $82 million bet on 19-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio — the largest contract ever offered to a player with no big league experience.

Then, the veteran sports journalist forecast the Green Bay Packers’ chances of making the playoffs.

“Here’s my bold statement: The Packers will be in the playoffs,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “I ask you, true or false?”

Oates disputes whether that qualifies as a bold prediction but agrees Green Bay’s recent victories over the Lions and the Chiefs give the Packers’ a real shot at a postseason run.

“Now will they do it? I don't think so,” says Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “I take it back. If 9-8 gets you in (the playoffs), I think they'll get in. I think they’ll go 3-2 down the stretch.”

The Packers are 6-6 with five games to go in the regular season. Also on the show, Lucas and Oates touch on Wisconsin competing in the Reliaquest Bowl on New Year’s Day.

“Man, they got a tough draw against LSU,” says Lucas. The Tigers are ranked 13th in the country.

Oates says it should be a good matchup but is curious how many players will skip the bowl game because they are headed to the NFL draft.

“Will it be the Wisconsin JVs against the LSU JVs?” asks Oates. “Who’s going to play in the game? We don’t know.”

That leads to a discussion about the impact of NIL (name, image, likeness) money in college sports. Lucas says that the going rate for a college quarterback is more than $1.5 million.

“This is not sustainable financially for these schools,” says Oates. “I mean, Deon Sanders’ kid made $4.8 million this year. The midfielder on Colorado’s women soccer team, how did she benefit from NIL?”

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Grading the Badgers, Eating Crow for Thanksgiving Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates analyze how the Badgers performed on the football field this season.

“I think you need to grade it on a bigger curve of where the program headed,” said Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “The last two games showed that at least mentally, they are in the game.

Oates credits players for holding the team accountable.

“As much as it wasn’t really Wisconsin-like for (safety) Hunter Wohler or (quarterback) Tanner Mordecai to come out and say some of the stuff they did — I thought it really helped.”

Also on the podcast, the veteran sports journalists eat crow after doubting the Green Packers chances against the Detroit Lions.

“How ‘bout them Packers? How ‘bout that Jordan Love? asked Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “How ‘bout them Lions lying down?”

Finally, Lucas and Oates are pumped about another chapter about to be written about the storied basketball rivalry between Wisconsin and Marquette.

“The Kohl Center should be rocking on Saturday,” said 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.

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Is Badger Freshman John Blackwell the Next Michael Flowers? Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates talk Badgers men's basketball. Wisconsin thumped 24th-ranked Virginia by more than 20 points this week.

“Wisconsin made them look bad, quite frankly. Which is surprising,” said Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “I thought the Badgers ran some really nice offense … getting inside to Steven Crowl. They attacked the rim. They did things in the paint.”

The Badgers suffer, however, when guard Max Klesmit is off his game, Lucas said.

“They don’t ask him to score a lot but he’s got to score a little bit,” said Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “You can’t put five guys on the floor and have only three contributing as far as scoring. Klesmit got them off to a good start (against Virginia).”

And keep an eye on freshman guard John Blackwell, he said.

“He might have the potential to be the next Michael Flowers.”

Also on the show, the veteran journalists recapped Wisconsin’s win on the football field against Nebraska and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love's best game of the season. Finally, Lucas and Oates remembered historic Thanksgiving matchups between Green Bay and Detroit — including when the Lions ruined Vince Lombardi’s perfect season in 1962 and Aaron Rodgers’ game-winning Hail Mary in 2015 that was dubbed the “Miracle in Motown.” Oates witnessed the latter.

“It was the most amazing pass I’ve ever seen in my life. It looked like a punt,” said Oates. “He threw it like 65 yards in the air and it almost hit the roof.”

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Has Wisconsin Football Gone Soft? Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates sum up how Wisconsin Football fans are feeling after the Badgers’ loss to Northwestern.

“If you went to the football game at Camp Randall last Saturday, you left disappointed,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “Probably a few other words you could throw in there, too.”

“Disgruntled. Angry…. Never a good sign when your home crowd gives up on you,” says Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “This season has taken a turn that I don’t think anyone foresaw.”

Oates blames the Badgers’ offense for why fans feel disillusioned.

“Their offense is in a state of confusion right now. It’s Wisconsin and they can’t run the ball,” says Oates. “The counter to that was supposed to be this new air raid pass attack — which was going to fill the air without footballs and they were going to move the ball that way. Well they aren’t doing that with any consistency. So what do they have? They have nothing.”

Also on the show, the veteran sports journalists reflect on true Wisconsin greats: The Watt brothers. Finally, Lucas and Oates try to figure out former Packer A.J. Hawk’s role on The Pat McAfee Show.

“Yard art,” says Lucas. “I wonder how much he gets paid for that?”

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brewers Lose Craig Counsell to the Cubs Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates grapple with the Chicago Cubs hiring Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell — for a record-setting salary no less.

“It’s a big loss for the Brewers. And a master stroke for the Cubs. How often does anybody say that?” asks Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “You help yourself and hurt a rival with one move.”

Lucas is not impressed by the shortlist to replace Counsell.

“There’s not one name that does anything for me,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “How about (fired Cubs manager) David Ross? He’s available.”

Also on the show, the Wisconsin Badgers’ much-hyped shift to an air raid offense just isn’t working.

“They’ve lost the power running game that made Wisconsin famous,” says Oates. “But they haven’t really developed the air raid attack that they were going to bring in to revolutionize Wisconsin football. I think they are stuck in the middle.”

The two veteran journalists also discuss the Green Bay Packers’ lackluster win over the Los Angeles Rams. Lucas admits he misses Aaron Rodgers.

“At times, Rodgers could be such a pain in the butt,” says Lucas. “But I miss his theatrics and shenanigans and him being the smartest guy anywhere. I miss him, especially on the field.”

Finally, Lucas and Oates remember Indiana legend Bobby Knight … the good and the bad.

“Clearly as a basketball coach, he was so far ahead of the game. His motion offense changed the game of basketball for 40 years,” says Oates. “It saddens me that he was such a bully, such a controversial guy, and so rude to so many people. He could have been a real leader.”

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Is Matt LaFleur Starting to Feel The Heat? Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates give kudos to the Badgers’ defense during Wisconsin’s failed bid at an upset over Ohio State.

“When you get turnovers, it always makes a defense look good — no matter how many passing yards or how many rushing yards you give up,” Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal, says on the Cap Times weekly podcast show.

Oates thinks the loss of running back Braelon Allen to injury, at the end of the first half, was the death knell to the Badgers’ hopes of beating the consistently formidable Buckeyes.

“(Allen) is the one true weapon that Wisconsin has,” says Oates. “They became very one-dimensional without him.”

Also on the show, Lucas agrees with Oates that the Green Bay Packers’ offense is “hideous.”

“Who are we going to blame?” asks Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. “That’s what we’re here for, who are we going to blame!?”

Lucas indicts wide receiver Christian Watson because of his disappointing performance during the Packers’ loss to the Vikings.

“He doesn’t seem to comprehend what it takes to be a receiver. I’ve never seen a guy run so many skewed routes. He doesn’t play with instincts,” says Lucas, who notes a lot of booing on Sunday at Lambeau Field. “You think head coach Matt LaFleur is starting to feel the heat?”

On another topic, the two veteran journalists discussed Wisconsin men’s basketball, which kicks off this week with an exhibition match against UW-Stevens Point. The Badgers appear to be in better shape than last season.

“As you recall there was very little scoring off the bench last season and it derailed them in a lot of games,” says Oates, who saw the Badgers’ practice this week. “There’s a lot of pretty good players here. More depth. When Greg Gard looks down his bench, he sees some answers.”

Finally, are you following the news about Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh? He’s being investigated over allegations of sign-stealing. Lucas thinks Harbaugh is a “helluva coach” but compares him to a modern-day Eddie Haskell.

“He makes my skin crawl at times,” says Lucas. “Watching Harbaugh is uncomfortable.”

Even so, Lucas and Oates both believe Harbaugh will be returning to the NFL next season.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take the Training Wheels Off Jordan Love Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Wisconsin Sportscast, Mike Lucas and Tom Oates declare two wins for transparency in Big Ten sports. Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell heeded the call to let his offensive and defensive coordinators speak to the media. And Big Ten coordinator of officiating Bill Carollo and NCAA rules editor Steve Shaw made a point to weigh-in on a controversial call made in the final minutes of Iowa’s 12-10 loss to Minnesota.

The Badgers recovered from a poor first half to defeat Illinois 25-21. Quarterback Braedyn Locke was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after the comeback win.

“I really liked [wide receiver] Will Pauling and the chemistry that seemingly was developing between Locke and Pauling. I thought Pauling had a heckuva game,” says Lucas, a Cap Times sports freelance writer and former radio color analyst for the Badgers. He’s also impressed by Badger running back Braelon Allen.

“He showed the type of passion that Wisconsin wants to see out of their players. He made it work when they needed it. The second effort out of Braelon was outstanding. He showed a little bit of durability late in the game.”

Also on the show, Lucas asks Oates, “Should Packers fans be worried?”

“They should be very concerned. Green Bay has had some games against weak opponents with plenty of time to prepare. They’ve scored six points in the first half over the last four games,” says Oates, the former sports columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. “Whenever you get a rebuilding team — and yes, this is a rebuilding team — you want to see improvement. It’s the same with a new regime like Wisconsin. They're in similar boats. You want to see game-to-game improvement.” ‘

Lucas has a message for Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur: “Take the training wheels off your quarterback!”

Oates agrees: “They’re losing anyway.”

Finally, is Lucas a cranky old man or are you also bothered by Fox Sports broadcasting team Eric Collins and Devin Gardner?

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