Category: Big Ten

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Game 8: #14 UCLA vs. #9 Wisconsin

The dreadful tie with Ohio State would not keep the Badgers from focusing on the Big Ten title. Two weeks after that game, Michigan clobbered the Buckeyes leaving the door open for Wisconsin. With wins over Illinois and Michigan State (in Tokyo of all places), the Badgers completed one of the most improbable runs in college football history. It took thirty-one years for Wisconsin to return to the Rose Bowl, and this 1993 season would firmly plant my love for college football into the turf.

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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 6: #15 Wisconsin @ Minnesota

At this point, I have witnessed five games for Wisconsin and five Badger victories. My interest level was on the rise and I was actually excited to sit in the van for six hours to see my beloved team on the road for the first time. We went to visit relatives in Minneapolis and they got us a skybox in the Metrodome. All of the Wisconsin relatives were completely confident that the Badgers (6-0) would succeed, as it was our chance to show off our new national power against the lowly Gophers (3-4).  My father displayed his confidence the most overtly as he paraded our Wisconsin flag up and down the driveway upon our arrival.

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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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