The Badgers clearly did not hear Marshall’s stampede into Camp Randall Stadium. The Thundering Herd charged out to an early 14-0 lead bringing those clad in green to their feet and shouted, “We Are Marshall,” much like the movie portrayed. But, it wouldn’t be long before Wisconsin would remind their guests of where they were and who they were playing.
A perfect day in Madison brought all the red out and the city was alive with activity. Outside Camp Randall at Union South, where Madison’s largest gameday tailgate takes place, the band was prepping for it’s pregame show. Known for their clever jokes, the tuba section, in unison, offered this one: “What is the difference between the clarinet section and Marshall? One is a thundering herd and the other is a bad football team.” Marshall’s early lead would quiet all the jokes, but after the Badgers found themselves down by fourteen, they rallied back with 51 unanswered points to finish the game 51-14.
“We Are Marshall?” Well, they were coming into Madison. I’m not sure what they were heading out. They played valiantly, but just didn’t have enough against the Badgers. Wisconsin fans have come to expect this kind of outcome against lower echelon non-conference foes. Fans wander in and out of the stadium, checking the scoreboard every once and a while to see how much the Badgers have extended the lead by. That kind of atmosphere will not be present at Wisconsin’s next home game when top five Ohio State rolls in for a night contest. That stampede will last til the final gun.
