PASADENA, CA – Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t have the greatest start in the Rose Bowl, but made certain he had an impactful and strong finish as he led his team to a 28-27 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in the 106th Rose Bowl game.
With the Ducks trailing by four late in the fourth quarter, Herbert capitalized on a crucial misread by the Badgers defense, that allowed him to rush for a 30-yard touchdown, his third rushing touchdown of the game.
After an opening touchdown by Herbert in the first quarter, Wisconsin’s Aron Cruickshank returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, for the second-longest play in Rose Bowl history, behind former Duck DeAnthony Thomas.
The Badgers had all the defensive momentum in the first half as they kept the Ducks in check.
Thanks to key second half defensive plays by Thomas Graham Jr. and Brady Breeze, the Ducks took command and finished out the game strong.
“We pride ourselves big time during the season and in general of keeping the ball away from their defense, ball security. It was uncharacteristic, but right now we can’t do anything about it. We just have to continue to move forward,” Badgers receiver Danny Davis said of his fumble.
“It’s been a great journey,” Herbert said. “For us to stick together through those tough times, it’s just a testament to all the guys on the team.”
Justin Herbert goes out a winner, and now looks forward to a new chapter in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers RB Melvin Gordon was on the Badgers sidelines to show support for his former school.
