Oregon vs Wisconsin, 2020 (Photos – Inserts by Tom Corno
ZoomOnSports.com, Rose Bowl by Kate Bartlett)
A 30-yard touchdown run by Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in the 106th Rose Bowl.
By Christopher Floch
It was a seesaw contest that lived up to the hype and expectations befitting “The Granddaddy of Them All”. Oregon (12-2) captured its fourth Rose Bowl victory, while Wisconsin (10-4) lost its fourth Rose Bowl in a row.
It seemed that Wisconsin had shut down Herbert’s powerful arm, but his legs ultimately propelled the Ducks to victory. Herbert threw for only 138 yards, and the Ducks’ offense gained a measly 204 yards. The game had everything a football fan craves: turnovers, fumbles, special teams blunders and six lead changes in this thriller.
Oregon opened the game with an early touchdown before Wisconsin’s Aron Cruickshank returned a 95-yard kickoff to even the score at 7-7. The Ducks capitalized off three Badger turnovers to generate 21 points. One pivotal play was the botched punt by Wisconsin punter Anthony Lotti, who inexplicably dropped the ball. Oregon’s Brady Breeze palmed the pigskin with one hand as if it were a basketball, then ran 31 yards for a touchdown early in the second half. Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor was held to 94 yards, and wide receiver Quintez Cephus hauled in seven receptions for 59 yards and a score. The Badgers held a narrow 24-21 edge in the fourth quarter and were going in for the kill, but Oregon’s defense came through in the red zone, holding Wisconsin to a field goal.
With 7:41 remaining, Herbert faked a handoff and darted 30 yards to put Oregon up for good. On the following possession, Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan, who had struggled all afternoon, threw a pass, but a controversial pass interference called on the offense wiped out any chance of a last second win. The Badgers led in all the statistics—yards run, ball possession time, yards per rush—but not in the statistic that matters most: the final score.
Never knew Ducks enjoyed cheese!
Wisconsin Marching Band forming the shape of an Air Force Airplane (Photo – Aaron Ames)
Although Wisconsin lost the football game, the Wisconsin Marching Band delivered a stunning performance under new director Dr. Corey Pompey. The UW Band honored each of the U.S. Armed Forces with their official songs and marching patterns such as a plane with exhaust from jet engines for the Air Force and a tank with moving tracks for the Army. With its mountain backdrop, Rose Bowl stadium was a fitting stage for the UW Band.
[This article was updated to correct a typo in the headline, Jan. 3, 2020, 9:43 am]
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