Top 10 Wisconsin Football Plays of the Year
By Jim Oxley
No. 8: Wisconsin, meet Rafael Gaglianone
Rafael Gaglianone eyes up a field goal attempt against USF. Jim Oxley photograph
How important was freshman kicker Rafael Gaglianone to this Wisconsin Badgers squad? I asked and answered that question earlier in the football season, and it proved ever-so-true in the Outback Bowl against Auburn.
Gaglianone shored up a very weak position from the Badgers squad a year ago.
Most of us got our first good look at the Brazilian transplant in the season-opener against LSU.
Gaglianone hit the field for his first career field goal attempt and knocked through a 51-yard bomb to extend Wisconsin’s lead to 10-0 early in the game.
Badger of Honor Top 10 Football Play of the Year nominee: Rafael Gaglianone season-best 51-yd FG against LSU http://t.co/hrIYYPzKL7
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) December 17, 2014
That lead didn’t hold to the conclusion, but Gaglianone was firmly implanted as a fan-favorite, and went on to have an amazing season. The future looks bright for the freshman, and Badgers fans hope to hear “Olé” and see plenty of this for seasons to come.
Next: No. 7: Blocking Rutgers' hopes