On this day exactly five years ago, Wisconsin’s star running back Melvin Gordon ran for what was at the time, the single greatest total in the history of NCAA football: 408 yards, in just three quarters, against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall.
It was a truly legendary performance, and although MGIII’s record only lasted a week, it was a game that Badger fans will never forget, and one that I had the fortune of attending in person, in the front row of the student section.
As one of the most highly anticipated games of the year for the 7-2 Badgers coming into that Saturday, Wisconsin was set to host the 8-1 Cornhuskers, on a beautiful, snowy, classic Saturday in Madison.
It was a nightmarish start for the Badgers, falling behind 17-3 against the fast, offensive-minded Huskers early into the second quarter.
But with a 62-yard touchdown run from Gordon to bring the Badgers within a score, things all started to change, as the snowflakes began falling from the sky, and Wisconsin took their spot in the driver’s seat.
The Badgers would go on to score an unprecedented 56 points in a row until Nebraska scored again in garbage time.
This was the night Melvin Gordon became the best player in college football, and to me, the most dominant running back that I have ever seen in person.
Along with the 62-yard touchdown run, Gordon also had a 68-yard run, and finished with four touchdowns and the ridiculous 408 yards, on just 25 carries!
MGIII averaged an absurd 16.3 yards on that snowy day in Madison, and somehow did it in just three quarters, to lead Wisconsin to its biggest win of the year, and to make his mark in the record books.
I was in person for Bronson Koenig’s game-winner to send Wisconsin to the Sweet Sixteen. I’ve seen triple-doubles from LeBron James and game-winners from Giannis Antetokounmpo, but this remains the single greatest sporting achievement that I have had the pleasure of seeing live.
So, thank you, Melvin Gordon, and Happy Anniversary to an all-time performance and a legendary Badger.