The Voice: Night is always right in Camp Randall
September 22, 2015 | Football
September 22, 2015
BY MATT LEPAY
Voice of the Badgers
MADISON, Wis. -- When we learned the Badgers’ game this week against Hawaii would be at night, the first thought was simple -- it's about time.
Believe it or not, it has been three years since the Badgers have played a home game after 7 p.m. It was against Utah State. Thank you again, Kenzel Doe, who returned a punt for a touchdown to spark a Wisconsin rally.
When most of us think about night games, we recall Oct. 10, 1998, against Purdue. The shootout. Drew Brees chucking it 83 times, with four of those passes landing in the hands of Wisconsin defenders. All-America cornerback Jamar Fletcher returned one of those 52 yards for a touchdown. It was the difference in the game as the Badgers celebrated Homecoming with a 31-24 victory.
Of course, that night also was when House of Pain's "Jump Around" became a big deal at Camp Randall. For those in attendance, you know the story. For the rest of you, let us simply say it caught on quickly. To this day, it remains enjoyable to look at the visiting radio booth to see how the out-of-town crew reacts when the press box starts to sway.
Believe it or not, there have been just 12 home night games since that evening. One dozen games, but no shortage of memories.
In the 2002 season opener against Fresno State, a Mike Allen field goal with two minutes to play gave the Badgers a 23-21 win. A sophomore safety named Jim Leonhard picked off two passes. The walk-on from Tony, Wisconsin, ended the year with 11 interceptions en route to being named an All-American.
Who can forget Oct. 19, 2003, when defending national champion Ohio State came to town? The day started warm and humid. Then it rained, and the temperature took a nose dive. So did the Buckeyes’ hopes for an unbeaten season. Schabert to Evans. That is all Badgers fans need to hear. After starting QB Jim Sorgi was knocked out of the game, backup Matt Schabert hooked up with Lee Evans for a 79-yard touchdown connection that rocked the stadium.
Two years later, in the Big Ten opener of Barry Alvarez's final season as head coach, Wisconsin knocked off nemesis Michigan. So many times the Badgers had been close, but on that September 24th night in Madison, running back Brian Calhoun was lights-out, rushing 35 times for 155 yards. His efforts helped set up John Stocco's 4-yard quarterback draw in the final half-minute.
In 2009, the Badgers opened the season against Northern Illinois. It was Scott Tolzien's first career start under center. His offensive coordinator was Paul Chryst, who was in no mood to mess around. On Wisconsin's first play from scrimmage, Tolzien went downtown, connecting with Issac Anderson for an 80-yard touchdown.
Memorable stuff, but perhaps the "game of games" under the lights took place on Oct. 16, 2010. It was 18th-ranked Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Ohio State. As hyped a regular-season tussle as this campus had witnessed since the "Dayne Game."
And it was a perfect night, starting with the opening kickoff. Thank you again, David Gilreath. To this day, I believe his 97-yard return to the house resulted in the loudest roar I have ever heard at Camp Randall.
It was crazy. The entire evening was crazy -- in the best kind of way.
Look, any home game is good. As mentioned before in this space, it is like a party. But a night game? C'mon. Try to beat it. Good luck.
If you have a ticket, get here nice and early. Walk the campus. Visit the Square. Take it all in. You have all day. Then make your way to the stadium. Stop where you would like along the way. The grills will be going. The music will be cranked up.
Welcome to Game Night, Wisconsin Style. Often imitated. Never duplicated.
