1980 Wisconsin Badgers football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1980 Wisconsin Badgers football Big Ten Conference Big Ten 4–7 3–5 Dave McClain 3rd Bill Dudley 1st Triple option Jim Hilles 3rd 3–4 Dave Ahrens Dave Ahrens Joe Rothbauer Camp Randall Stadium The 1980 Wisconsin Badgers football team was an American football team that represented the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the 1980 Big Ten Conference football season. In their third season under head coach Dave McClain, the Badgers finished in a tie for sixth place in the Big Ten Conference (Big Ten), compiled a 4–7 record (3–5 against Big Ten opponents), and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 211 to 138.1980 Wisconsin Badges Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 5, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/1980-schedule.html The team played its home games in Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The team's statistical leaders included John Josten with 622 passing yards, John Williams with 526 rushing yards, Tim Stracka with 462 receiving yards, and Jess Cole with 30 points.1980 Wisconsin Badgers Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 8, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/1980.html Tim Stracka also ranked sixth in the Big Ten with 16.5 yards per reception.1980 Big Ten Conference Year Summary Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 2, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/1980.html Schedule 1980 AP September 13 l Purdue 20 Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI 6–12 77,280 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-carmel-connection-he/158651070/ The Courier-Journal Carmel connection helps Purdue nip Wisconsin 12–6 September 14, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 20 l y BYU Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI 3–28 71,496 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-la-crosse-tribune-brigham-young-boun/158459505/ The La Crosse Tribune Brigham Young bounces Badgers September 21, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 27 l y y UCLA 16 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles, CA 0–35 40,018 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-times-wisconsin-goes-hungry/158518466/ The Journal Times Wisconsin goes hungry September 28, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 4 w y y San Diego State Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI 35–12 76,340 https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-losing-is-becoming/158651179/ Daily Times-Advocate Losing is becoming a habit for the Aztecs October 5, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 11 l y Indiana Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN 0–24 51,029 https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-times-reporter-cliffords-arm-lif/158651250/ Herald-Times-Reporter Clifford's arm lifts Indiana to victory October 12, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 18 w y Michigan State Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI 17–7 76,173 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-wisconsin-surpri/158650443/ The Des Moines Register Wisconsin surprises Michigan State, 17–7 October 19, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 25 l Ohio State 10 Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI 0–21 79,523 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ironton-tribune-schlichter-leads-osu/158651320/ The Ironton Tribune Schlichter leads OSU over Badgers October 26, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 1 l y Iowa Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA rivalry 13–22 59,995 https://www.newspapers.com/article/dayton-daily-news-iowa-pass-long-kickof/158651374/ Dayton Daily News Iowa pass, long kickoff return help throttle Wisconsin, 22–13 November 2, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 8 l Michigan 12 Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI 0–24 69,560 https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-a-big-boo-boo-fo/158651433/ Green Bay Press-Gazette A big boo-boo for Badgers November 9, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 15 w y Northwestern Dyche Stadium Evanston, IL 39–19 17,372 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-wisconsin-extends-northweste/158650198/ The Courier Wisconsin extends Northwestern streak November 16, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 22 w Minnesota Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI rivalry 25–7 54,229 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-badgers-zip-to-25/158651520/ The Rock Island Argus Badgers zip to 25–7 victory over Gophers November 23, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com Game summaries Purdue On September 13, Wisconsin opened its season with a 12–6 loss to #20 Purdue. Mark Herrmann of Purdue passed for 347 yards, including 200 yards to wide receiver Bart Burrell, but the Boilermakers were unable to score a touchdown, settling for four field goals.Purdue Gets Its Kicks From Rick The Indianapolis Star September 14, 1980 4-1 BYU On September 20, Wisconsin lost to BYU, 28–3, in Madison. BYU's Jim McMahon, winner of the 1981 Davey O'Brien Award and Sammy Baugh Trophy, passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a fourth touchdown.Brigham Young bombs bury Badgers Green Bay Press-Gazette September 21, 1980 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7314971/brigham_young_bombs_bury_badgers/ At UCLA On September 27, Wisconsin lost to UCLA (AP No. 16), 35–7, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. UCLA's freshman running back Kevin Nelson rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and also caught three passes for 36 yards. John Williams rushed for 101 yards for Wisconsin, but the Badgers were unable to score.Bruins roll over scoreless Badgers Green Bay Press-Gazette September 28, 1980 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7327359/bruins_roll_over_scoreless_badgers/ San Diego State On October 4, Wisconsin defeated San Diego State, 35–12, in Madison. After failing to score a touchdown in its first three games, Wisconsin took a 21–0 lead over San Diego State in the second quarter. Defensive end Dave Ahrens had three sacks, and the Aztecs were held to minus four net rushing yards.Badgers find end zone, rout Aztecs Green Bay Press-Gazette October 5, 1980 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7339305/badgers_find_end_zone_rout_aztecs/ At Indiana On October 11, Indiana defeated Wisconsin, 24–0, in front of a homecoming crowd of 51,029 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Indiana's defense held Wisconsin to 204 yards of total offense (only 65 in the second half) and had seven tackles for loss. Quarterback Tim Clifford completed 17 of 25 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns.IU Strols Bill Benner The Indianapolis Star October 12, 1980 D1, D12 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7338457/i_u_strolls/ At Michigan State On October 18, Wisconsin defeated Michigan State, 17–7, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Wisconsin fullback Dave Mohapp rushed for 138 yards and scored a touchdown. Wisconsin's second touchdown followed a fumbled punt that was recovered in the end zone by Mark Subach.Badgers, Mohapp down Spartans Green Bay Press-Gazette October 19, 1980 D1-D2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7339738/badgers_mohapp_down_spartans/ Ohio State On October 25, Wisconsin lost to #10 Ohio State, 21–0, in Madison. Wisconsin's defense held Art Schlichter to 89 passing yards, but Ohio State scored touchdowns after two Wisconsin fumbles and an interception. After the game, Wisconsin coach Dave McClain said, "You can't make that many mistakes. I've never been so frustrated with the mistakes."Game Badgers finally self-destruct Green Bay Press-Gazette October 26, 1980 D1-D2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7339866/game_badgers_finally_selfdestruct/ At Iowa On November 1, Wisconsin lost to Iowa, 22–13, in Iowa City. In his first game as Iowa's starting quarterback, Pete Gales completed nine of 22 passes for 161 yards and rushed for 41 yards. One of Gales' completions was good for 54 yards and a touchdown to Keith Chappelle. Iowa scored another touchdown when Iowa linebacker Andre Tippett forced a fumble by Wisconsin quarterback John Josten, and Mark Bortz recovered the ball in the end zone.New quarterback leads Iowa over Badgers Green Bay Press-Gazette November 2, 1980 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7340006/new_quarterback_leads_iowa_over_badgers/ Michigan On November 8, Wisconsin lost to #8 Michigan, 24–0, in Madison. Michigan struggled early, failing to earn a first down on its first six possessions. Anthony Carter caught a touchdown pass just before halftime to set a Michigan school record for touchdown receptions in a single season. As Michigan drove deep into Wisconsin territory, noise from the Wisconsin student section made it difficult for Michigan to call its signals. When fans refused to reduce the noise, the officials struck all three Wisconsin timeouts and then assessed two delay of game penalties, giving Michigan a first down at the one-yard line. Butch Woolfolk then scored on a one-yard runWolverines win, 24–0; now it's title time Detroit Free Press Charlie Vincent 1G, 11G https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7318561/wolverines_win_240_now_its_title/ At Northwestern On November 15, Wisconsin defeated Northwestern, 39–19, in Evanston. Northwestern's Mike Kerrigan passed for 237 yards in the loss.Northwestern cures ailing UW offense Green Bay Press-Gazette November 16, 1980 D1 The Wildcats finished the season 0–11 and in the midst of a 34-game losing streak that began on September 22, 1979, and ended on September 25, 1982 Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers white 2; text-align:center collapsed Minnesota Golden Gophers (5–5) at Wisconsin Badgers (3–7) November 22, 1980 Minnesota 7 0 0 0 Wisconsin 6 0 6 13 Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin 54,229 On November 22, in the annual battle for Paul Bunyan' Axe, Wisconsin defeated Minnesota, 25–7, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. Wisconsin quarterback, Jess Cole, in his second start, scored four touchdowns.Wisconsin 25, Minnesota 7 St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 23, 1980 5H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7304717/wisconsin_25_minnesota_7/ Cole started in place of John Josten, who had re-injured an ankle the previous week versus Northwestern.https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/22/Freshman-quarterback-Jess-Cole-making-only-his-second-start/3056343717200/ Wisconsin 25, Minnesota 7 November 22, 1980 UPI Archives December 18, 2022 MINN WISC collapsed 1 Wisconsin 29 RushTD Jess Cole 1 no good Mark Doran run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 1 Minnesota 80 RushTD Tim Salem 1 good Jim Gallery run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 3 Wisconsin RushTD Jess Cole 52 pass failed 7 12 4 Wisconsin RushTD Jess Cole 1 pass incomplete 7 18 4 Wisconsin 39 RushTD Jess Cole 1 good Mark Doran run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 25 7 25 Roster 1980 Wisconsin Badgers f 10 Fr Jess Cole QB 23 So Chucky Davis RB I 57 Sr John Dixon G 70 Jr Jerry Doerger T y 93 Sr Mike Fixmer TE 37 Jr Craig Fredrick TE 36 So Gerald Green FB 8 Jr Paul Hughes QB 13 Jr John Josten QB 71 Sr Leo Joyce G 35 So Troy King RB 20 Fr Thad McFadden Thad McFadden (American football) RB y 28 Jr Dave Mohapp FB 16 Sr Kevin Motl QB 22 So Marvin Neal WR 68 Sr Mark Orszula T 84 Jr Greg Rabas TE 63 Sr Tom Reber T 33 Jr Curtis Richardson RB 59 Sr Joe Rothbauer C C 81 Sr Joe Ruetz TE 34 Jr Al Seamonson WR 42 Jr Tim Stracka WR y 53 So Mark Subach G 73 Fr Melvin Terrell G 58 Jr Ron Versnik T 74 Fr Carlton Walker T 51 Sr Ted Walter C 1 So John Williams John Williams (running back) RB y 79 So Bob Winckler G 41 Sr Dave Ahrens LB y C 29 Sr Ross Anderson CB 92 Fr Scott Bergold DT y 85 Sr Curt Blaskowski DT 95 Jr Guy Boliaux LB 77 So Tom Booker DT 32 So Kyle Borland LB y 25 Sr Pat Delaney CB 31 So David Greenwood David Greenwood (American football) S P y 72 So Mike Herrington DT 90 Sr Thomas Houston DT 50 So Tim Krumrie NT y 47 Sr Dave Levenick LB y 46 Sr Richard Lewis LB 94 Jr Jeff Luko LB 45 Jr Von Mansfield CB y 11 Jr Dan Messenger S 43 So Sankar Montoute S 44 So Jody O'Donnell LB 5 Sr Marshall Richards CB 56 Sr Dean Seis DT 99 So Ed Senn LB 76 Jr Mark Shumate DT y 9 So Clint Sims CB 60 Fr Darryl Sims DT 49 Jr Larry Spurlin LB 2 Jr Ron Steverson CB 27 Jr Vaughn Thomas S 5 Fr Jerry Vance CB 39 Jr Matt Vanden Boom S 7 Jr John Westphal S 31 So David Greenwood David Greenwood (American football) S P y 24 Fr Mark Doran K 6 Fr Wendell Gladem K 3 So Pat Hady K *Dave McClain Bill Dudley – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks and Receivers Jim Hilles – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Doug Graber – Defensive Backs Arnold Jeter – Defensive Line Cliff Knox – Running Backs Mike Nelson – Defensive Ends Bob Palcic – Tackles and Tight Ends Mario Russo – Centers and Guards Terry Murawski – Administrative Assistant Jerry Fishbain – Recruiting Coordinator 1981 NFL draft Wisconsin Badgers Player Position Round Pick NFL club Dave Ahrens Linebacker 6 143 St. Louis Cardinals1981 NFL Draft: Full Draft National Football League NFL.com November 2, 2016 http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?season=1981 References Wisconsin Category:Wisconsin Badgers football seasons Wisconsin Badgers football