Gameday Observations: Wisconsin
Penn State football came home with another win, folks.
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Nittany Lions overcame another halftime deficit to defeat Wisconsin 28-13 in a prime-time tilt. While Drew Allar didn’t play in the second half, Beau Pribula led the offense to success as the Nittany Lions outscored Wisconsin 21-3 in the second half.
Outside of the game, though, Wisconsin’s campus and the surrounding downtown Madison area had a lot to offer for a gameday experience.
The Wisconsin Law School Cane Toss
It was homecoming weekend in Madison, ushering in another college tradition at Camp Randall Stadium. Every homecoming, Wisconsin Law School students storm the field carrying wooden canes, running the length of the field before throwing the cane through the goalposts. Legend has it, if you catch your cane, you’ll win your first case.
The only problem was the legend of the Wisconsin Cane Toss wasn’t put on the video board until the mob was halfway down the field, leading to some confusion as to what was going on for those who were unfamiliar with Wisconsin Law School lore. Unfortunately, there were a lot of dropped canes, so if you commit a crime in Madison, you’re probably going to jail.
Inspector Gadget Tyler Warren
By now, everybody knows Tyler Warren transcends any one position and can make an impact anywhere on the field. During the Nittany Lions’ second prime-time game on NBC, the network aired a graphic depicting Warren as Inspector Gadget, and it was…a choice.
Warren had seven catches for 46 yards and was fairly limited against Wisconsin, but we still were blessed with this glorious piece of graphic design.
Madison Might Have State College Beat
While State College is a great college town, Madison, Wisconsin, might just be one of the best in the country. State College’s small-town feel is what makes it unique, but somehow, Madison maintains that atmosphere while located in the state’s capital.
There are pedestrian-only streets, a vibrant atmosphere with a host of restaurants and bars, and a beautiful campus bordering Lake Mendota. There’s also an Old Main-like building with a statue of Abraham Lincoln looking over the hill that leads to town and the Capitol building.
With an extensive nature trail along the waterfront, Wisconsin’s Madison campus is a very unique college environment.
Historic Ground
During the Civil War, the grounds around Camp Randall Stadium were home to a training camp for Union soldiers. The stadium was named after United States Postmaster General and Wisconsin Governor Alexander Randall.
The grounds around the stadium had multiple memorials to the history of the site, providing an interesting perspective on the walk into the stadium.
After playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum last game, Penn State football has visited two historic sites turned into college football destinations.
Jump Around: That Was It?
While there was a differing opinion from Onward State’s photographers on the field for the Wisconsin tradition, “Jump Around,” was pretty underwhelming from the press box.
The box shook violently when the 76,403 fans inside Camp Randall danced to the House of Pain song, and it’s always neat to see traditions from other schools, but it felt a little cheesy.
It’s also worth noting that at this point, the Badgers were still in the game. Just a few minutes later, the stands emptied.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Staff Predictions: No. 4 Penn State vs. Purdue
Our staffers think this game will be a blowout in favor of the Nittany Lions, except for one for some reason.
Meterologist To Entrepreneur: How Todd Miner Brought ‘Transport-tainment’ To State College
Vamos! Lion Chariots was founded in 2012.
Five Penn State Wrestlers To Participate In NWCA All-Star Classic
The Classic will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, at Rec Hall.
Penn State Men’s Hockey To Wear Throwback Jerseys Against Wisconsin
The jerseys pay homage to the inaugural Penn State men’s hockey team.