Looking at the final offensive numbers on both sides, you would think you were looking at the statistics for a Madden game with 10 minute quarters. The Falcons featured an aerial assault while the Badgers kept the ball on the ground - and gained a ton of it - on their way to a win Saturday. And while Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs may have proven that he was the best player on the field, Wisconsin's brightest star still stole the show. Newcomer Brian Calhoun ran for a career-high 258 yards and five touchdowns in the highest scoring game at Camp Randall since 1890.
Calhoun, a junior, transferred from Colorado last year in an attempt to escape the dark cloud of scandal over the Buffalos' athletic program and to get an opportunity to make some impact as a starter. Being a Wisconsin native, his decision to become a Badger only seemed natural
Despite a season away from football - as is standard of Division I transfers - his return to the field and subsequent success seemed too easy.
\I haven't played for a year and a half so I'm as fresh as anybody,"" Calhoun said. ""I was just excited to get out there. At first I had a few butterflies, but after we kept moving the ball, it really became more comfortable.""
Offensive coordinator Brian White knew how badly his newest tailback wanted to get back on the field, and knew just what Calhoun's excitement would lead to come game time.
""On Tuesday he was jumping around and I said, 'You can't score four touchdowns on your first carry, but you will score four touchdowns,'"" White said. ""I didn't know he'd score five.""
By halftime, it was as if Bowling Green also knew they weren't going to keep him out of the end zone - though the offensive line made sure the Falcon defense didn't adjust and ruin Calhoun's debut.
""They knew it was coming and they still couldn't stop it,"" senior Donovan Raiola said. ""That's what makes it so much fun for us.""
As a team, the Badgers rushed 63 times for 388 yards with Calhoun leading the way while junior Booker Stanley chipped in 103 yards and a touchdown. Stanley gave a stellar performance in relief for Calhoun, though the Badgers - who have had reason to juggle running backs in the past-can ink, rather than pencil, Calhoun in as the starter. The duo is now expected to make more noise in the Big Ten than some may have predicted
""I expected him to play the way he did today,"" said White. ""I told him before the game, 'I'm the luckiest guy in the world because I'm not going to have to pay to watch you play today.'""
Turns out he was worth the price of admission.
