The Badgers and Spartans enter this game being able to relate to each other’s situations rather well. Their respective outcomes are practically a mirror image. Both teams began with a resounding 3-0 start against decent competition. However, both teams also experienced the rungs snapping on their ladder to success with losing streaks in the Big Ten.
A sun-splashed East Lansing, Michigan on a colorful autumn afternoon marked the site of this battle between two teams clawing for their first conference triumph. Both teams needed a win as badly as Michael Jackson needed a new hobby. Spartan Stadium filled slowly but compactly with an intense green. Wisconsin fans showed in good numbers, but there is no way they could have overcome the “GO GREEN! GO WHITE!” chant that bellowed from the stands. Spartan fans displayed tremendous support for their team despite their stumbles. The green chariot captained by Sparty the Spartan raced out of the tunnel and led the team onto the field. The band pounded and the crowd exploded.
The game between these evenly situated teams was fittingly tied at halftime. Wisconsin quarterback Brooks Bollinger left the field due to a concussion and backup Jim Sorgi was forced to take his first gameday snaps. Clearly, this situation fed doubt to the Badger faithful as the game remained tied at ten deep into the fourth quarter. Wisconsin managed to get good field position with under a minute to go. From midfield, Sorgi lofted a pass far to the right endzone. As if on an elevator, Badger receiver Lee Evans rose up and caught the ball and returned to ground level scoring a touchdown. The Spartans were unable to respond to these heroics and Wisconsin literally grabbed a much needed win out of the air. The blow for Michigan State was damaging, while Wisconsin would hopefully use this as a trampoline jump to further successes. However, a date with dangerous Drew Brees and red hot Purdue loomed…
