ORLANDO, Fla.—Wisconsin's worries about Arkansas' potent running game were justified on the third play from scrimmage at the Capital One Bowl Jan. 1 when sophomore Heisman finalist Darren McFadden broke a big run and seemed destined for the end zone. Instead, UW sophomore cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu caught McFadden and brought him down at the nine-yard line.
Arkansas failed to get points on the drive when sophomore kicker Jeremy Davis missed a 30-yard field goal. The Badgers (12-1) did just enough on that drive and just enough throughout the game to set a new school record for wins, taking home their second straight Capital One Bowl 17-14.
""[That play] may have changed the whole landscape of this game. That one play,"" head coach Bret Bielema said of Ikegwuonu's tackle of McFadden. He added he will show that play to future teams to show how one play can have an effect on an entire season.
Despite Wisconsin's special teams being one of the weaker areas of the team all year long, it was UW junior kicker Taylor Mehlhaff's Capital One Bowl record 52-yard field goal in the first quarter that proved to be the difference in the game. The boot came on Wisconsin's first drive, immediately after Davis missed his attempt on the other end.
""He told me he was good from 60 [yards] but [UW junior punter] DeBauche came over and said 55,"" Bielema said.
Even the special teams' lone blunder helped lead Wisconsin to victory. DeBauche had a second quarter punt blocked but was able to pick the ball up and complete a pass to senior Joe Stellmacher. The play was called back for having illegal men downfield, but it allowed the Badgers to punt again and keep their field position.
Wisconsin also blocked a punt in the second quarter when junior Ben Strickland came free and got his hands on UA punter Jacob Skinner's kick. Strickland also recovered the ball.
Often-maligned kick returner Zach Hampton also played well. The senior fielded all his punts safely and intercepted a late second quarter pass after senior Roderick Rogers suffered a right knee injury.
""It feels great to have one of my best games for my final game,"" Hampton said.
