Wednesday
Jan052011
Wisconsin... You Said It All: New Year's Day at the Rose Bowl
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 7:34PM
But you just didn't do it.
You talked the talk, you shone in the regular season, you had the potential. But you failed at the final hurdle. The final score in the New Year's Day Rose Bowl Game, between the 3rd and 4th ranked college teams in the country, TCU and Wisconsin, was not really indicative of the game. TCU proved their worth with a 21-19 win over the Badgers, in what was a disappointing finish to a Big Ten Championship winning season.
Stadium at Night
Yet despite having one of the best offensives in the country, and the best defense, TCU should have been beaten by Wisconsin. Not easily, but it still should have a been a strong likelihood, had Wisconsin not crumpled under the Californian sun. The final score was close; one could argue that had Wisconsin made the 2-point conversion in the final drive and it had gone to overtime, they would have won. Or, you could blame Philip Welch for a missed field goal, which would have given them 3 points, an extra one needed for victory.
However, Welch should not have had to kick that field goal; the offence should have been more successful in their drives. It wouldn't have come down to 2 point conversion had the Badgers capitalised on the various chances they had in the multiple drive attempts they had, most notably in the second quarter.
Scoreboard!
W for Wisconsin!
At the end of the day, Wisconsin did not play the kind of football they are capable of, and though I hate to say it, did not deserve to win. They did not run the football like they are capable of doing, despite having three incredible running backs. No single person can be blamed; instead it was a combination of bad decisions and calls, poor execution, and silly mistakes. I have faith that lessons will be learned, and the Badgers have a strong chance of being back in Pasadena next year.
If they are, I will be back. That's a given.
For though a victory in the football game would have been the icing on the cake, the long day spent in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains was an incredible one, memories of which could not be tarnished by the Badger loss.
The day began at 5am. That's what time we had to get up in order to leave the OC and make the drive north to Pasadena. With the car loaded up with an assortment of food and drink, the stars still shining and one small crescent of the whole moon illuminated, we hit the freeways to begin our first day in 2011. The roads were quiet as the sun rose in the East, and we soon met up with Nicole's Uncle Nathen, and cousins Shanaya and Aiden, after a quick stop at the grocery store, which surprisingly, was open at 7am on New Years Day. We were worried about getting parking on the Rose Bowl golf course, as apparently people weren't put off by the $40 price tag, or 4am opening time. But thankfully, we sailed right on in without hitting any traffic, and ended up as the first two cars in the public lot, in what was a prime location for tailgating.
Tailgate Party!
"What's tailgating?" I hear you British people ask. Well, I think the term originates from the tail gate on trucks, and it is used to refer to any gathering or party before a sporting event, but in particular football. (You throw down the tailgate, and out comes the food). It has connotations of barbecuing, picnics, great atmospheres, music and fun. For us, the tailgate was a fun-filled day of food, drink and football, beginning as soon as we had parked the cars, and ending only because we had a football game to get to.
Nathen's 4x4 was packed to the brim with tailgating equipment, including grills, barbecues and chairs. Oh, and two cool boxes filled with food! Once everything was unpacked, the party began at 7.30, with hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls and coffee. Shortly followed by pancakes, bacon and egg. Next came chips (crisps) and guacamole, then carne asada (thinly sliced spiced beef), flat-iron steaks, and sirloin steak. All accompanied by tortilla wraps, bean dip, salsa, and some interesting bottles of beer. This was all eaten sat under the rising California sun, in a beautiful setting in the middle of a golf course, surrounded by the red and white of Badger fans, and the odd treacherous purple of TCU. It was the perfect combination, and I know a certain guy called Mike who would have been in heaven.
Chilling (in the chilly air) on top of the car!
In between the food, I threw my first every American Football! Aiden showed me how to hold the football, and how to throw it, before we played catch with it. Then we stepped things up a notch, playing 1-on-1, before the girls joined us and we had a boys-vs-girls competition. Aiden and I planned out elaborate plays, while I kept practising my throws. I thought I was pretty good, but I still have a long way to go before the NFL! Either way, it was great fun, and laughs were had all around.
So fun in fact, I may have gotten a little carried away at times, getting into the game a little too much! I apologise to the girls if I did!! I really enjoyed playing around with the football (and now watching football too), perhaps even more so than I ever did with British football (soccer). I wish I would have had the chance to play in middle school and high school, trying out quarterback, running back, wide receivers and tackling positions. I wonder if I would have been any good? In another lifetime perhaps!
Soon, the revelry on the golf course had to end, as we packed up the cars, said goodbye to Nicole's family, and walked over to the huge Rose Bowl Stadium, fighting through the crowds to make it to our seats on time for the 2pm kick off, along with 94,118 other fans. Tickets scanned, bladders emptied, seat taken. Just in time to not hear the National Anthem, played far too quietly by the TCU marching band. Compare them, with the Wisconsin Marching Band, which is truly incredible, firing up the crowd, professionally marching in the parade, and performing a rendition of motown hits during half time. Spectacular.
Try this link for a video http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_cd9a7ade-13bc-11e0-b4b7-001cc4c03286.html?mode=video. Sadly I can't find any good ones of them performing Motown Hits at half time.
UW Band and a Sea of Red!
Right before the kickoff (I think they call it that!), there was a fly over of 4 fighter jets from the Navy Seals! That was after a Stealth jet passed by in the morning, and after Navy Seals had parachuted down onto the pitch, trailing school and country flags. When they introduced the fighter pilots during half time, one of them pulled open his jumpsuit superman style to the camera, to show a red Wisconsin t-shirt underneath. A shame we didn't win.
Nevertheless, the football game was still very entertaining. Agonizing and frustrating, yes. But fun also. As always, the student section where we were sat in our incredible seats, right behind the marching band, was rocking. And jumping, minus the House of Pain music. And chanting, and cheering, groaning and screaming our hearts out. The stadium was filled with at least two thirds Wisconsin fans, and we sure made ourselves heard. What an experience.
When the game ended sadly, everyone sombrely filed out of the stadium and back to their preferred modes of transport. We didn't have to wait too long to get out of the parking lot, and we were soon on our way back to Huntington Beach. Tired, a little sad, but still pleased with a great day.
We topped the day off with a yummy piece of cheesecake from the cheesecake factory... dutch caramel apple for myself, and sat down to watch the Rose Parade, a ceremony with wonderfully decorated floats all made out of flowers! It was really incredible how much time, effort and ingenuity must have been spent on them!
That New Year's Day, the company was wonderful, the food was incredible, and the whole experience was just fantastic. I'd just like to thank the ladies for the t-shirt and rose they got for me, and for spending the day with us, Nathen for everything he provided, and executed phenomenally, and to Jason, for getting us the tickets to be there in the first place. And of course Nicole, for cheering and screaming along side of me the whole game, and for driving us all the way there and back! Thanks guys! :)
A day of roses to remember forever!
P.S. I'll upload more pictures on Facebook soon... In the meantime, check out Nicole's album over there, if you are friends with her! If you're not, become her friend!
You talked the talk, you shone in the regular season, you had the potential. But you failed at the final hurdle. The final score in the New Year's Day Rose Bowl Game, between the 3rd and 4th ranked college teams in the country, TCU and Wisconsin, was not really indicative of the game. TCU proved their worth with a 21-19 win over the Badgers, in what was a disappointing finish to a Big Ten Championship winning season.
Stadium at NightYet despite having one of the best offensives in the country, and the best defense, TCU should have been beaten by Wisconsin. Not easily, but it still should have a been a strong likelihood, had Wisconsin not crumpled under the Californian sun. The final score was close; one could argue that had Wisconsin made the 2-point conversion in the final drive and it had gone to overtime, they would have won. Or, you could blame Philip Welch for a missed field goal, which would have given them 3 points, an extra one needed for victory.
However, Welch should not have had to kick that field goal; the offence should have been more successful in their drives. It wouldn't have come down to 2 point conversion had the Badgers capitalised on the various chances they had in the multiple drive attempts they had, most notably in the second quarter.
Scoreboard!
W for Wisconsin! At the end of the day, Wisconsin did not play the kind of football they are capable of, and though I hate to say it, did not deserve to win. They did not run the football like they are capable of doing, despite having three incredible running backs. No single person can be blamed; instead it was a combination of bad decisions and calls, poor execution, and silly mistakes. I have faith that lessons will be learned, and the Badgers have a strong chance of being back in Pasadena next year.
If they are, I will be back. That's a given.
For though a victory in the football game would have been the icing on the cake, the long day spent in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains was an incredible one, memories of which could not be tarnished by the Badger loss.
The day began at 5am. That's what time we had to get up in order to leave the OC and make the drive north to Pasadena. With the car loaded up with an assortment of food and drink, the stars still shining and one small crescent of the whole moon illuminated, we hit the freeways to begin our first day in 2011. The roads were quiet as the sun rose in the East, and we soon met up with Nicole's Uncle Nathen, and cousins Shanaya and Aiden, after a quick stop at the grocery store, which surprisingly, was open at 7am on New Years Day. We were worried about getting parking on the Rose Bowl golf course, as apparently people weren't put off by the $40 price tag, or 4am opening time. But thankfully, we sailed right on in without hitting any traffic, and ended up as the first two cars in the public lot, in what was a prime location for tailgating.
Tailgate Party!"What's tailgating?" I hear you British people ask. Well, I think the term originates from the tail gate on trucks, and it is used to refer to any gathering or party before a sporting event, but in particular football. (You throw down the tailgate, and out comes the food). It has connotations of barbecuing, picnics, great atmospheres, music and fun. For us, the tailgate was a fun-filled day of food, drink and football, beginning as soon as we had parked the cars, and ending only because we had a football game to get to.
Nathen's 4x4 was packed to the brim with tailgating equipment, including grills, barbecues and chairs. Oh, and two cool boxes filled with food! Once everything was unpacked, the party began at 7.30, with hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls and coffee. Shortly followed by pancakes, bacon and egg. Next came chips (crisps) and guacamole, then carne asada (thinly sliced spiced beef), flat-iron steaks, and sirloin steak. All accompanied by tortilla wraps, bean dip, salsa, and some interesting bottles of beer. This was all eaten sat under the rising California sun, in a beautiful setting in the middle of a golf course, surrounded by the red and white of Badger fans, and the odd treacherous purple of TCU. It was the perfect combination, and I know a certain guy called Mike who would have been in heaven.
Chilling (in the chilly air) on top of the car!In between the food, I threw my first every American Football! Aiden showed me how to hold the football, and how to throw it, before we played catch with it. Then we stepped things up a notch, playing 1-on-1, before the girls joined us and we had a boys-vs-girls competition. Aiden and I planned out elaborate plays, while I kept practising my throws. I thought I was pretty good, but I still have a long way to go before the NFL! Either way, it was great fun, and laughs were had all around.
So fun in fact, I may have gotten a little carried away at times, getting into the game a little too much! I apologise to the girls if I did!! I really enjoyed playing around with the football (and now watching football too), perhaps even more so than I ever did with British football (soccer). I wish I would have had the chance to play in middle school and high school, trying out quarterback, running back, wide receivers and tackling positions. I wonder if I would have been any good? In another lifetime perhaps!
Soon, the revelry on the golf course had to end, as we packed up the cars, said goodbye to Nicole's family, and walked over to the huge Rose Bowl Stadium, fighting through the crowds to make it to our seats on time for the 2pm kick off, along with 94,118 other fans. Tickets scanned, bladders emptied, seat taken. Just in time to not hear the National Anthem, played far too quietly by the TCU marching band. Compare them, with the Wisconsin Marching Band, which is truly incredible, firing up the crowd, professionally marching in the parade, and performing a rendition of motown hits during half time. Spectacular.
Try this link for a video http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_cd9a7ade-13bc-11e0-b4b7-001cc4c03286.html?mode=video. Sadly I can't find any good ones of them performing Motown Hits at half time.
UW Band and a Sea of Red!Right before the kickoff (I think they call it that!), there was a fly over of 4 fighter jets from the Navy Seals! That was after a Stealth jet passed by in the morning, and after Navy Seals had parachuted down onto the pitch, trailing school and country flags. When they introduced the fighter pilots during half time, one of them pulled open his jumpsuit superman style to the camera, to show a red Wisconsin t-shirt underneath. A shame we didn't win.
Nevertheless, the football game was still very entertaining. Agonizing and frustrating, yes. But fun also. As always, the student section where we were sat in our incredible seats, right behind the marching band, was rocking. And jumping, minus the House of Pain music. And chanting, and cheering, groaning and screaming our hearts out. The stadium was filled with at least two thirds Wisconsin fans, and we sure made ourselves heard. What an experience.
When the game ended sadly, everyone sombrely filed out of the stadium and back to their preferred modes of transport. We didn't have to wait too long to get out of the parking lot, and we were soon on our way back to Huntington Beach. Tired, a little sad, but still pleased with a great day.
We topped the day off with a yummy piece of cheesecake from the cheesecake factory... dutch caramel apple for myself, and sat down to watch the Rose Parade, a ceremony with wonderfully decorated floats all made out of flowers! It was really incredible how much time, effort and ingenuity must have been spent on them!
That New Year's Day, the company was wonderful, the food was incredible, and the whole experience was just fantastic. I'd just like to thank the ladies for the t-shirt and rose they got for me, and for spending the day with us, Nathen for everything he provided, and executed phenomenally, and to Jason, for getting us the tickets to be there in the first place. And of course Nicole, for cheering and screaming along side of me the whole game, and for driving us all the way there and back! Thanks guys! :)
A day of roses to remember forever!
P.S. I'll upload more pictures on Facebook soon... In the meantime, check out Nicole's album over there, if you are friends with her! If you're not, become her friend!
Reader Comments (7)
You're probably a very nice person, but wrong. Wisconsin would not have beaten TCU if they'd played a hundred days. You have a great team, a big strong team that is very good at running the football. But you hadn't played anyone, NO one, all year that would, when your BIG linemen opened holes and your backs galloped through, would be caught from behind, run down and tackled. TCU was just too fast and just as tough. What would have been a touchdown against anyone else, just turned into a nice 20 yard gain.
Wisconsin only had a bad day because they were playing TCU. I'm not letting anyone get away with "we just had a bad day...let us have another chance and we'll pulverize TCU." No, you won't...not this year.
I think your football team was GREAT. Truly. A great group of gentlemen. To be honest, no one this year has played as well as them. Until TCU.
Have a great year. But remember, your guys didn't lose, our guys won!
"At the end of the day, Wisconsin did not play the kind of football they are capable of, and though I hate to say it, did not deserve to win. They did not run the football like they are capable of doing, despite having three incredible running backs."
Actually, they did, which is partially why the game was so unbelievably maddening. Ball, Clay, and White combined for 41 carries for 231 yards, for a very good average of 5.6 yards a carry. For the season, Ball, Clay and White rushed for an average of 6.08 yards per attempt (2829 yards, excluding the Rose Bowl), so while 5.6 is a bit below their season average, it's well above the 4 yards per attempt which is seen as a baseline average for running backs. It's even more impressive when you consider TCU's defense. For the year, TCU allowed its opponents to rush for only 3.3 yards per attempt, so at 5.6 yards a pop the Badgers definitely had their way running the ball.
Overall the game was awful. The Badgers showed flashes of what they were capable of, but too often were plagued by mistakes at key times. Toon is a good receiver, but he has a penchant for drive killing drops which he has shown throughout the year (in particular the Michigan State game) and showed again in the Rose Bowl. I don't think it's any coincidence that his drop problems at key times reared their ugly head in the only two losses of the season. Field goals shouldn't (and usually don't) decide college games, but nevertheless, it's hard to ignore the fact that 3 points would have given the Badgers the victory.
And finally, of course, the play calling. It's really hard to fault Chryst (the offensive coordinator) for mixing in the pass and keeping the Badgers from being too predictable. We were, after all, playing the #1 defense in the nation. But there is something to be said for overthinking things. The two point conversion attempt epitomizes this.
It wasn't actually a bad call in and of itself. The intended receiver was open, and it required an incredible play by a TCU player to kill it. But that's the danger of passing, it's unpredictable. There's an old saying from former Univ. of Texas coach Darrell Royal: "Three things can happen when you throw the football, and two of them are bad", referring to either a completed pass, an incomplete pass, and an interception.
With all that being said, simply running it up the middle with Clay, even though TCU was expecting it (they said as much after the game) would have been the better call. On the drive, Clay had run for 56 yards on 9 carries, and it was clear that the Badger offensive line was simply dominating the TCU defensive front. Line up in the I formation, let Clay follow Bradie Ewing (the fullback) up the middle while allowing the offensive line to do what it had done all year and throughout the game: push TCU aside. If the conversion had failed, the Badgers would have deserved to lose, as TCU would have beat Wisconsin at what it does best. Instead, Chryst made what can't be described as a bad call considering the aforementioned reasons, but in my opinion it was not the best nor the right call.
"and to Jason, for getting us the tickets to be there in the first place"
You're welcome=) and as I told Nicole, I'm glad I could help.
David, you are probably also a very nice person, but unfortunately it is you who is wrong.
"Wisconsin would not have beaten TCU if they’d played a hundred days"
Wisconsin lost by 2 points and barely missed a field goal that would have given them the 3 points they needed it to win. Given the close nature of the game and the missed field goal, this is hardly a case of TCU winning on any given Saturday against Wisconsin.
"But you hadn’t played anyone, NO one, all year that would, when your BIG linemen opened holes and your backs galloped through, would be caught from behind, run down and tackled. TCU was just too fast and just as tough. What would have been a touchdown against anyone else, just turned into a nice 20 yard gain."
The obligatory speed argument. How original. This can be easily refuted a number of ways, but the easiest is to point out that Wisconsin decisively defeated Ohio State, the same Ohio State team that just defeated Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. I guess Ohio State was fast enough to deal with Arkansas from the mighty SEC and their super fast players, but not Wisconsin? Please. Wisconsin absolutely destroyed TCU running the ball, and I can think of no instance where speed was an issue. Remember how on the last touchdown drive Clay burst through the middle and was caught from behind? He's slow, anyone would have caught him, in the Big Ten or the Sun Belt for that matter. And what did the Badgers do? They scored a touchdown on that drive anyways.
"Wisconsin only had a bad day because they were playing TCU. I’m not letting anyone get away with “we just had a bad day…let us have another chance and we’ll pulverize TCU.” No, you won’t…not this year."
Wisconsin had a bad day because they couldn't handle the big stage of a BCS game, especially the Rose Bowl which is the second biggest college football game aside from the National Championship game. TCU had gained valuable experience from last year's Fiesta Bowl which helped it prepare for this bowl game. After last year's Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State where Dalton threw 3 interceptions, he told his teammates “We’re going to get back to another BCS bowl,” adding “I feel like this loss was my fault.”
It's very reminiscent of JJ Watt's comments about Wisconsin returning to the Rose Bowl and winning it. Because of TCU's experience, it helped them avoid the critical mistakes that Wisconsin made. Wisconsin was cleary the more talented team; TCU was just more experienced. Given another opportunity at this same TCU team, I almost guarentee Wisconsin would win. In fact, with a lucky break or a little more concentration and less nerves (the field goal goes through, Tank Carder misses swatting down the 2 pt conversion attempt) Wisconsin would have won this game in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, with TCU joining the Big East (so much for all that non-AQ crusading), we aren't likely to see a Rose Bowl rematch of any kind in the future.
Actually all the arguments were settled once and for all on the field of play the other day.
The Big East move is a great move for TCU not so much for the AQ (although that is a BIG perk) but for the TV coverage. MWC has terrible TV coverage, generally being an hour or two behind central time. The Big East has wonderful TV coverage (lousy football, but great TV...go figure!) So, we here in Fort Worth are happy. Though a "rivalry" with UConn is not my idea of say Texas/Texas A&M or up your way, Wisconsin and Michigan State. But then neither was the "rivalry" with Utah!
Anyway, you and I remain good people, sometimes wrong, sometime right. Happy New Year!
"Actually all the arguments were settled once and for all on the field of play the other day."
A nice simplistic, black and white way of looking at the world you've got there. I'd hate to hear your opinions on complex subjects other than sports that actually matter.
Healthy debate! This is exactly what my blog needs! I love it! :)
Thanks for your thoughts and comments guys!
Personally I still think Wisconsin could have played better, and had they played like I have seen them play, they would have beaten TCU. After all, it was a very, very, painfully close game.
I give TCU credit: When I saw the size of their defensive line, I thought they were going to get crushed by our guys, despite their defensive record. Yet, they held their ground. However I still feel if we had run the ball more often, as we had done in previous games, we could have pounded them to the ground.
But hey, I'm English! What do I know about American Football!
How about those Packers!? A superbowl victory for them do we think?
Unlike the sort of in depth analysis that the Badgers' loss to TCU required, predicting the Super Bowl is easy. The Packers will win, Aaron Rodgers will finally get the national acclaim he deserves as a top three QB in the NFL, and there will be much rejoicing (and drinking) in the great state of Wisconsin.