Game 9: Eastern Michigan @ #10 Wisconsin

The anticipation for the 1994 season was extremely high after the Rose Bowl Championship season. A top-ten preseason ranking prodded the excitement further. In addition, the game was preceded by a reenactment of quarterback Darrell Bevell’s key touchdown in Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl triumph. A few band members/students/alumni set up the play on the field while the actual radio broadcast of the play was aired over the PA system. The mock Darrell Bevell slashed to the left and ran twenty-one yards into the end zone. The crowd reacted similarly to the actual event in Pasadena nine months earlier. The entire spectacle was to commemorate the 1993 season, and it was well deserved.

The game against Eastern Michigan on this steamy day was hardly a contest. Wisconsin won 56-0, which only fueled the fire of expectation for the rest of the season. Sitting through such a blowout gave Badger fans a new experience. The anxiety packed games of 1993 appeared to be a thing of the past as Wisconsin ventured in the status of national power. The overmatched Eagles didn’t stand a chance against the defending Big Ten champions. The atmosphere in Camp Randall Stadium had reached high levels of intimidation for opponents, and Wisconsin football had its sights set on many more return trips out west.


 

Game 7: #3 Ohio State @ #15 Wisconsin

I missed last week’s game against #24 Michigan, and it left me feeling bittersweet. It would be the last game that I would voluntarily not attend at Camp Randall for the next eleven years. It was a blessing. That Michigan game was the infamous “crowd crush” game that forced all stadiums across the country to reevaluate their stadium structure and safety procedures. Wisconsin defeated Michigan for the first time in many years (thus, the crowd rush). But, it nearly killed so many fans.

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Game 5: Northwestern @ #21 Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s glory season was underway as they entered this contest 4-0 and nationally ranked for the first season in years.  A crazy Camp Randall made things difficult for the Wildcats and they lost 53-14.  Quarterback Darrell Bevell completed his first 14 passes, and Wisconsin accumulated more points than they had in a single game in ten years – all this in front of a sellout crowd of over 77,000, a number that included a few bowl scouts.

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Game 4: Nevada @ Wisconsin

The season opener for the Badgers was expected to be a struggle – Nevada showcased a potent offensive attack.  But, Wisconsin handed the Wolfpack a 35-17 defeat spearheaded by an impressive defensive effort featuring four interceptions, and an offensive frenzy led by quarterback Darrell Bevell’s school-record five touchdown passes. Things were different this year as both sides of the ball started to show a bit more leg.   Although fans knew the Badgers were improving, it was the first win of a magical season that no Wisconsinite could possibly envision.

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Game 3: Purdue @ Wisconsin

Just because I had witnessed a great game two weeks ago did not mean that college football was a significant part of my life yet.  It took time.  I remember this gloomy day in Madison as one where I learned a very important rule in college football – no overtime.  With the game tied at 16 and Wisconsin’s field goal kicker setting up for the winning kick, I asked my father, “What happens if he misses?”  When he replied that the game simply results in a tie, I was filled with frustration from three sources –

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Game 2: #12 Ohio State @ Wisconsin

Today would be a memorable day in the career of Wisconsin head coach, Barry Alvarez.  I didn’t care.  I don’t even think I knew why this Berry Alcatraz was so special.  Once again, I was being handcuffed to the car and dragged to another football game.  Not interested.  I remember the last game I attended.  Dreary.  Boring.  Low attendance.  But, there was something different about today.  Camp Randall Stadium was PACKED with a vibrant red that stretched to every curve and corner.

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