Badger football returns under the lights, in the best college football town in America
Photos by Taylor Wolfram
What could be better than a Badger football home opener under the lights, in the upper 60s, and on the eve of another school year? On Thursday night, the UW football team’s performance matched the perfect scene with a convincing 17-0 shutout of the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks. The Badgers overcame a slow start and an early injury to starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., with backup Danny O’Neil orchestrating two touchdown drives and safety Preston Zachman leading the dominant defense with two interceptions.
Bucky, say cheese! Students snap portraits of the beloved UW mascot during the pre-game Badger Bash tailgate party at Union South. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonAs the sun sets over Badger Bash, the UW Marching Band gets the sea of red swaying with its classic Game Day hits. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonTime to dust off those red-and-white bib overalls. (And cow-spotted, too.) Students in all sorts of Wisconsin swag pose for the camera before entering Camp Randall Stadium. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonIt’s game time! Bucky leaps into the student section to celebrate the start of the football season with his favorite people. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonStarting “Jump Around” a little early, Badger wide receiver Trech Kekahuna makes an acrobatic catch in front of a lurking RedHawk. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonAt halftime the UW Marching Band put on the ultimate rock ’n’ roll show with hits by Metallica, KISS and Guns N’ Roses. The show also featured Camp Randall’s new, state-of-the-art LED lighting system, with 47 color-changing fixtures to light up Game Day like never before. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBand members show off their stop-at-the-top high step, already in midseason form. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonRedHawk despair, seated next to Badger joy, during the shutout. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonTouchdown, Badgers! Leading receiver Vinny Anthony II (No. 8) celebrates a third-quarter score with his teammates. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonYou can always find Badger superfans in the front rows of the student section. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison“So get out your seat and jump around!” Students Janay Pecore-Kirkland (left), Cecelia Zahn (middle) and tens of thousands of other Badger fans carry on the timeless tradition between the third and fourth quarters. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBucky, soon to be very buff, goes down for his dutiful push-ups to mark every Badger score. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBucky waves to 16-month-old Danny Delilah and her mom, Kennedy Rose, as the UW Marching Band prepares for the Fifth Quarter post-game performance. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonReady for bed or part of the act? Either way, band members and Badger fans surely slept well after a season-opening victory and resounding Fifth Quarter. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison
