Wisconsin remembers OSU heartbreak

Takes field at the 'Horseshoe' Saturday

MADISON — Clad in a Badgers Football hoodie, Beau Allen stands in the bowels of Camp Randall Stadium, surrounded by reporters, and reflects on two years of heartbreak. 

“I just remember the feeling of disappointement and anger after losing those close games. That’s something that has stuck with me and I think stuck with the rest of the guys.”

Those close game losses, of course, occured against Ohio State the last two seasons. In 2011, a Braxton Miller to Devin Smith 40 yard touchdown with 20 seconds remaining sent Ohio Stadium into a frenzy and gave the Buckeyes a 33-29 win. 

Last year, the Ohio State came to Camp Randall and eeked out a 21-14 overtime win to keep their undefeated season intact.

Needless to say, seniors like James White can’t wait for a shot at revenge Saturday. 

“This will be my last time playing them, so it’s going to be an emotional game, a fun game. It’s going to be a four quarter game, so we have to prepare hard for this week.”

For at least two Badgers, Chris Borland and head coach Gary Andersen, there’s extra incentive heading into Ohio Stadium. Borland is an Ohio native. He grew up in Kettering, Ohio, about an hour west of Columbus.

“We’ll have family there to take the victory lap for the fifth year, so it’ll be a lot of fun.”

For Gary Andersen, Saturday represents a chance to compete against Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. Andersen served as a defensive line coach under Meyer during Meyer’s time at Utah.

“He’s a good coach. It’s a good staff. They’ve been on a roll for a long time, winning games, so I’m excited to have a chance to compete against him.”

The Badgers and Buckeyes kickoff from Columbus Saturday night at 7 p.m.