It's a known fact that Wisconsinites are a friendly bunch. We have that southern hospitality with a Midwest twist. When it comes to our football; the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers, we may get a little feisty, but not too feisty.
It was on September 3 that the Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers at Lambeau Field. With the Good Year blimp overhead and ESPN College Game Day starting the day with the mecca of football fields in the background, the college football season would open up.
It was all over the news in the area, many bars and restaurants were gearing up for the influx of fans and tourists alike. The number of charter planes and buses full of Tiger fans was downright amazing. For everyone getting off a plane, there was a Green Bay citizen, volunteer and even the mayor, welcoming them to the great north, Cheesehead nation.
The LSU Tigers were ranked in the CFB Rankings top 25 going into that particular Saturday. Personally, I thought the Badgers would get creamed. For a team that wasn't ranked for week one and is in a conference with the likes of Michigan State and Michigan; it was hard to believe that they would even stand a chance against the dominant LSU Tigers.
However, I was so very wrong. The Badgers O-Line acted and played far more mature than their ages would suggest, allowing Badgers quarterback Bart Houston to throw for 205 yards and a 61.3% completion percentage. The big line also gave multiple runners the ability to run a combined 134 yards in 42 carries. But, the Badger defense is what really brought Lambeau alive.
For a top team like LSU that is coached by the great Les Miles and led by 3rd year quarterback Brandon Harris, they were expected to throw the ball quite a bit, but run the field even more. But the Badgers defensive line proved that hard. Harris only threw for 121 yards, 2 interceptions and a 57.1 completion percentage. As for running yards, between two runners, they earned a menial 126 yards.
A Badger interception in the last 90 seconds sealed the deal at Lambeau Field with a Badger win, 16-14. After that huge win, the Badgers jumped from not being ranked in the CFB to being number 10. The LSU Tigers? They were knocked down to number 21. Out of 25 teams.
I couldn't tell you how the unranked Wisconsin Badgers beat one of the best college football teams. But I can tell you that Lambeau Field, home of beer, brats, cheeseheads, Vince Lombardi, Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Donald Driver and Aaron Rodgers; has some magic inside of it. The history and emotional feel of a brick and mortar building could have very well sent the Badgers some good vibes.
While it was a big win for the Badgers, it was more intriguing to watch Wisconsin fans and LSU fans mingle while tailgating before the game and while out of state travelers arrived in Wisconsin. While tailgating many LSU fans would cook up some of their Lousiana bests such as pastalaya, Cajun this and Creole that,boudin and jambalaya. Much different than our Wisconsin brats and cheese. But throughout the lead up to the game, many fans found themselves taste testing between Cajun and Midwest food.
We Wisconsinites love welcoming outsiders for a good ole fashioned football game. We love food and company. We will welcome you with open arms... and beer.
In Green Bay, Wisconsin, we are domination nation with a twist of southern hospitality.
