Wisconsin Football: Top 30 Games in Wisconsin Badgers History
By Jim Oxley
#9 Wisconsin vs. #6 UCLA: January 1, 1999
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin 38, UCLA 31
Many thought the Badgers didn’t deserve a spot in the 1999 Rose Bowl after a three-way tie atop the Big Ten standings, but Wisconsin proved doubters wrong after upsetting #6 UCLA with a 38-31 victory.
Before the game, ESPN analyst Craig James said Wisconsin was “the worst team to ever play in the Rose Bowl,” which prompted Barry Alvarez’s comment, “Well, I know we’re at least the second worst,” after the Badgers took home the victory.
Ron Dayne scored a 54-yard touchdown to open the game, and UCLA answered on a Cade McNown to Jermaine Lewis 38-yard reception.
The second quarter was a frenzy of scoring, with Dayne scoring twice and Matt Davenport adding a field goal for Wisconsin, with UCLA adding two touchdowns as well.
Dayne added his fourth touchdown in the third quarter, but again UCLA answered as Wisconsin held a slim 31-28 lead heading to the fourth quarter.
There Jamar Fletcher made the play of the game, a 46-yard interception returned for a touchdown. It was the game winner, as UCLA added a field goal but could do no more in the 38-31 loss.
Dayne earned the first of his two Rose Bowl MVP awards after his 246 yard, four touchdown day.
Next: 1994: Wisconsin vs. UCLA