The Wisconsin Badgers, ranked at number 20 in the nation, hosted the Nebraska Cornhuskers who were ranked number 16 in the nation on November 15. The game was expected to be close, but one player in particular lifted Wisconsin far above Nebraska.
Melvin Gordon shattered the single-game rushing yards record in Division I NCAA schools by rushing for 408 yards and tacking on four touchdowns. The last record was held by LaDainian Tomlinson who played for Texas Christian University. Tomlinson set the previous record of 406 yards on November 20, 1999.
Possibly the most impressive part of this feat is that Gordon did not play a single down in the fourth quarter; he broke the previous record in only three quarters of play. Gordon’s performance led the Badgers to a 59-22 win over the Cornhuskers.
Melvin Gordon’s performance caught the attention of many, and made him a very strong candidate for the Heisman Trophy.