Wisconsin football canceled its 2018 spring game, which was set for April 13, due to the threat of inclement weather.
For some programs, the annual spring football game is an event many football fans look forward to- but for others, it is simply a teaser for the real thing.
This is true for the Wisconsin Badgers, who do not gain the amount of attention from their fans for their spring game every year, compared to those of Big Ten foes Ohio State and Nebraska. While they are far from failing to fill the stadium, the spring game seems be just another practice to Badgers fans every year.
The 2018 Spring Game for the Badgers was set to take place on Friday, April 13, but earlier in the week, the athletic department canceled the event due to the risk of inclement weather, as heavy rain and thunderstorms are currently on the forecast. While some may see this as a weak move or unnecessary gesture to cancel it all together, the Badgers football program and its fans know that there is a much bigger agenda on the radar and that playing it safe just very well might be the best move.
UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast calling for a strong chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday, the @BadgerFootball Spring Game has been cancelled
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) April 10, 2018
In addition, the Badgers Sports' Kids Fair has also been cancelledhttps://t.co/CmPH0jI7ic
The extra sense of safety by the football program might have a lot to do with how the 2017 offseason went. Prior to last year, the Badgers lost many players due to injuries throughout their spring and summer preparation, including star linebacker Jack Cichy and other key components of both the offense and defense. With the weather being in the low 30s and slippery conditions present, it seems right that Badgers remain careful with their practices and scrimmage play.
Wisconsin is said by many to be a top ten team entering 2018, but will look to get healthy first before they gear up for the season. The Badgers’ top returning receiver, Quintez Cephus, is still rehabbing from a season-ending leg injury last year and will also need their defensive leader and playmaker D’Cota Dixon to return to full strength in order to lead a young, budding secondary.
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It certainly is disappointing that Wisconsin fans will not get an early glimpse at their team this spring, but considering the conditions and the expectations waiting for them in the Fall, it makes the move completely understandable.