More fireworks awaited the fans during the game. The barn-burner was joyously won by Wisconsin over UCLA 38-31, in large part because of the big and very fast Ron Dayne (chosen the game's MVP for his 246 yards rushing) and his get-outta-my-way blockers. The 12th player on the field was the sound swelling from the throats of thousands of Wisconsin fans who forced UCLA to call two timeouts in the second half because the Bruins just plain couldn't hear their quarterback.

With each team often scoring as soon its offense got back on the field, the game wasn't decided until the final minute. Once victory was in hand, camera flashes erupted all around the stadium because of Badger fans recording the moment. In a way, those little ephemeral lights paid earthly homage to the fat full moon rising over the mountains that loomed above the stadium's lip.

After the game came a lingering lovefest for the team led by the UW Marching Band, which resulted in the UCLA section emptying quickly, leaving the stadium to the red-and-whiters. The band played "On Wisconsin," with fans polka-ing in the stands. Everyone knew this doesn't happen often - and just hated to go.

But now we do have to go. We had great and good fun sending you these Postcards from Pasadena. Until next time then . . . On Wisconsin!

(From top to bottom: Players celebrating on the field after the win; All-American offensive lineman Aaron Gibson during a post-game interview; the UW Marching Band during the Fifth Quarter performance; and Badger fans buying Wisconsin Rose Bowl Champion souvenirs after the game.)

More postcards:
Dec. 28: Westard ho!
Dec. 28: Thawing out
Dec. 28: LA scene
Dec. 29: Old Pasadena
Dec. 29: Roses HQ
Dec. 29: Petal pushers
Dec. 30: 90210
Dec. 30: 90210, cont'd
Dec. 30: A sea of red
Dec. 31: Venice Beach
Jan. 1: Rose Parade
Jan. 1: The Game
Jan. 1: The Game, cont'd
Jan. 2: P.S.

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Photos by Jeff Miller, text by Jeff Iseminger.