Fans flooded Madison like a monsoon for another football Saturday. Red lit up the streets, and the skies only rained sunshine and warmth upon the UW campus. Badger game days make an already vibrant town burst at the seams with a fervent electricity. Cram your car into a makeshift parking lot amongst the surroundings of Camp Randall’s residential neighborhood. Grab a beer and a brat at union south. Snap a quick double selfie with Bucky (it was his birthday today after all). Take in the sounds of the UW marching band. It’s game day.
An uncharacteristically lethargic crowd filled the stands at Camp Randall for the matchup against South Florida. Perhaps the 11 AM start time was the cause. Perhaps it was an overabundance of Friday evening pre-party exuberance.
No.
It was the fact that a Wisconsin offense that posted 68 points last week against Bowling Green could only cough up three points in the first half of this contest. Offensive misery equals fan lethargy.
But Melvin Gordon and the gang literally got things running in the second half. The offensive line turned crevices into craters and Gordon gouged the Bulls’ defense for 181 yards. South Florida did keep it interesting until a USF turnover flipped momentum to Wisconsin’s side and the Badgers capitalized with a door slamming touchdown. Final: 27-10. Badgers.
The stronger second-half offensive output reenergized the crowd and made the jump around and fifth quarter truly something to celebrate. But, in the end, Wisconsin had to win ugly, and it looks like that might be a trend this season.
But, a post game walk down State Street, and leisurely afternoon on the terrace overlooking Lake Mendota always helps to rid Wisconsin fans of any unnerving thoughts about their football team. All in all, just another memory-filled trip to Madison on gameday.
