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| University of Wisconsin beat the University of Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. (Internet image) |
It was a dominating victory over the team UW beat in last year's Orange Bowl.
That win in the Orange Bowl created big expectations for the Badgers coming into the 2018 season. They were ranked 4th in the country before any games were played.
The season didn't equal the preseason hype.
While Wisconsin continued its B1G conference streak of most consecutive appearances in a bowl game (17 years) while winning their fifth in a row; most fans considered it a disappointing year.
Before it started, Badger football fans envisioned a run at the College Football Playoff. I heard a blogger predicted Wisconsin would finish the season as B1G champs with an undefeated 13 - 0 record. What was he (I) thinking?
That prediction and many others went off the rails when BYU beat the Badgers before they started conference play. Wisconsin then lost to Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State, and Minnesota which is why they accepted an invitation to New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl. This win eases some of the disappointment.
Some fans are still upset - questioning recruiting and coaching decisions. As the season played out - it was obvious that losing several defensive stars were more than the team could overcome. The offense couldn't match their 2017 performance either.
It is a testament to how good Wisconsin football is now that a winning record, bowl invitation, and bowl win is no big deal. Prior to 1993, if the Badgers finished anywhere close to having as many wins as losses parades were held on campus.
This wasn't the season anybody wanted - but the ending will build hope for next year for the team and fans alike.
In the meantime, the Badger men's basketball team is off to a good start and starts B1G conference play next week... Go Bucky!
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