Northwestern probably wishes there was a “CNTL, ALT, DELETE” function on this football game. Is there any way we can start over? Perhaps they wish this could be granted for their entire season. With all the trouble the Wildcats have had this year, their matchup with #1 Ohio State would have to serve as their bowl game. With the top ranked team in the nation, all the national attention, and equal amount of fans from both sides, the atmosphere emoted a bowl-like feel. Actually, it felt more like Chicagoland’s personal Ohio Stadium. The gross amount of Buckeye fans drowned out the flecks of purple. The fair-weather nature of the Wildcats fans was purely embarrassing.
Game 88: #3 Ohio State @ #23 Wisconsin
Eleven years ago, I was fortunate enough to witness the Badgers upset Ohio State at Camp Randall Stadium. The weather in Madison that day was chamber of commerce quality. Ever since that momentous victory, Wisconsin has had four opportunities and failed each time to defeat the Buckeyes at home. Each one of those losses took place amidst dreary, cold, and uncomfortable weather. Is it possible that the conditions outside serve as a harbinger for the outcome of this game?
Game 60: #8 Ohio State @ #24 @Wisconsin
Remember the bully on the playground that stole lunch money from the weak and nerdy? Well, that bully wore a gray hat today and Wisconsin was reduced to a skinny kid with freckles and oversized glasses.
Game 18: #14 Ohio State @ #21 Wisconsin
This would be my first time watching a would-be Heisman Trophy winner in action. Ohio State running back, Eddie George, led fourth ranked Ohio State into Camp Randall Stadium. Based on the first three games of this season, Wisconsin would seem like a chew toy for the Buckeyes. But, last week’s win at #7 Penn State jumped the Badgers into the top 25 suddenly making Wisconsin vs. Ohio State the game of the week.
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.
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.