21. Wisconsin 21, UCLA 20 (2000)

The Badgers were in the midst of a weird season that started with the Shoe Box incident that left many players suspended for either one or three games. But now, Wisconsin would have a shot to turn what looked like a disastrous season into a good one. The Badgers had an 8-4 regular season and were coming off four consecutive victories to end the regular season. Of those four losses, Wisconsin lost twice in overtime and one in the closing minutes, so its 8-4 record was very close to being significantly better. But alas, the Badgers were in the Sun Bowl taking on the UCLA Bruins, a team it met in their bowl for the third time in eight seasons, so it is safe to say that the two teams have a bit of a rivalry.

Even though everyone on the UCLA roster was not on the team for both Rose Bowl losses to UCLA, the players were sick of Wisconsin. The Bruins were actually accessed a 15-yard penalty even before the game started.

Despite having the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, UCLA’s Nate Fikse was able to kick the ball into the end zone and force a touchback. Two runs by Michael Bennett totaled 25 yards and the Badgers were already near midfield. Two plays later, quarterback Brooks Bollinger threw a pass deep over the middle to Lee Evans, who caught it at the 25 and broke a tackle attempt before jogging into the end zone for the 7-0 Wisconsin lead.

UCLA answered right back, however. After picking up its first first down of the game, one of the most hated men in the state of Wisconsin would tie the game up. Freddie Mitchell, who would catch a first down pass on 4th-and-26 while with Philadelphia in the playoffs against Green Bay three years later, would be catch a 64-yard touchdown to tie the game up at 7. There was miscommunication in the secondary and Mitchell was wide open down the middle of the field. While running to the end zone, he was taunting Jamar Fletcher the last 15 yards. That was also a 15-yard penalty on the Bruins.

After the track meet to open the game, it really settled down. UCLA was able to tack on a field goal on its next drive, however, and the Bruins led 10-7 after the first quarter. It would stay that way until late in the first half.

A poor punt by Kevin Stemke, the Ray Guy Award winner, gave the Bruins outstanding field position in Wisconsin territory at the 45 with six and a half minutes to play in the first half. After a 15-yard completion to Mitchell, the drive was all Deshaun Foster. He would rush five times for 30 yards and the touchdown from seven yards out to give the Bruins a 17-7 lead. It would stay that way until halftime.

It did not get any better for the Badgers following halftime, as UCLA drove 57 yards in 13 plays and were able to score three more on a short Chris Griffith field goal and the Bruins led 20-7. That would be all the offense UCLA could generate, though, as Wisconsin’s defense would shut them out the last 24 minutes of the game.

The Badgers would receive a spark from running back Michael Bennett, who was the kick returner and returned the kickoff 54 yards down to the UCLA 43. Seven of the first eight plays of the drive were runs, but the touchdown was via the air. On the score, Bollinger rolled out to the right and threw a pass to Chris Chambers, who made a great catch in the back of the end zone, barely able to get a foot down. The Chambers touchdown cut it to 20-14. Bennett had 21 yards rushing on the scoring drive. That would be the score at the end of quarter three.

The Bruins were on the move to start the fourth and they were setting up for a field goal. But they decided to do a fake field goal and were stopped short of the first down. Wisconsin took advantage and took the lead. The Badgers rushed for 50 yards on the drive, so it would make sense that a run would give them the lead. Bennett ran to the left side and was able to score from six yards out. The extra point was good and Bucky had his first lead since the opening minutes of the game.

UCLA had chances in the closing minutes, but Jon Dubravac dropped a pass on fourth down to stop one drive and an interception closed the door. Fletcher, the Jim Thorpe Award winner, picked off an errant pass by Scott McEwan and Wisconsin took a knee to win the game.

For a season that started in unexpected fashion, Wisconsin was able to salvage a solid 9-4 season and a win in the Sun Bowl. I still think if the Shoe Box scandal does not take place, Wisconsin goes to (and possibly wins) its third consecutive Rose Bowl.