Sept. 4, 2004
MADISON, Wis. - Anthony Davis led No. 21 Wisconsin with 78 yards on 13 carries including a touchdown as the Badgers defeated UCF 34-6 Saturday in the season opener for both schools. A Camp Randall Stadium record crowd of 82,116 witnessed UCF play its first game without head coach George O'Leary, who attended the funeral of his mother Saturday in New York.
The Badgers used a balance offense of 400 total yards including 230 on the ground in the 28-point victory. UCF dropped to 0-4 all-time vs. Big 10 schools and 0-14 vs. ranked teams in the loss.
Wisconsin converted a fourth down and eight on its opening drive en route to senior tailback Anthony Davis' eight-yard touchdown run to give UW a 7-0 advantage. Davis carried the ball 10 times for 51 yards and the one touchdown in the first quarter to lead the Badgers.
UCF answered with a 51-yard field goal by junior Matt Prater, the second-longest field goal of his career. The scoring play was set up by a phenomenal one-handed catch by junior tight end Darcy Johnson on a third down and 12 conversion. Moffett finished the first quarter 4-of-6 passing for 61 yards.
The Badgers increased the lead to 10-3 with 35 seconds left in the first quarter on a 40-yard field goal by Mike Allen.
Wisconsin looked to grab a 16-3 on a 50-yard touchdown off a sack and fumble by Moffett, but instant replay reversed the touchdown called on the field and gave the Badgers possession at the 50. Dontez Sanders rumbled 50 yards as he recovered the would-be fumble before the officials overturned the call. The Big 10 Conference is utilizing instant replay in all of its games in 2004.
The Badgers did manage to score a touchdown on the ensuing drive as they marched 50 yards in six plays capped off by a 16-yard touchdown pass from John Stocco to Jonathan Orr. The scoring drive gave the Badgers a 17-3 advantage with 1:35 remaining in the first half.
After a quick four-play possession by the Golden Knights, Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard returned a punt 38 yards to set up the Badgers final scoring drive of the half. The punt return led to a 29-yard field goal by Allen, his second of the first half, to end the first half with Wisconsin leading 20-3.
Wisconsin continued its momentum by taking the second half kickoff and driving 66 yards to increase the lead to 27-3. Stocco scored on a fourth down and goal conversion on a quarterback sneak for the score.
The Golden Knights added another field goal by Prater - his seventh straight over the last two seasons - to close the gap to 27-6.
The Badgers added a final touchdown by Owen Daniels on a 52-yard touchdown pass from Stocco to close out the scoring at 34-6.
Senior tailback Alex Haynes carried the ball 21 times for 56 yards, finishing just 12 yards short of second place in the UCF career record books in rushing yards.
Moffett finished with career-highs in completions (13) and yards (177), ending the day 13-for-24 for 177 yards with one fumble lost and an interception. Luther Huggins led all players with five receptions for 85 yards.
Senior middle linebacker Josh Stephens totaled a career-high nine tackles in his first career start at middle linebacker. Senior safety Atari Bigby also registered nine tackles for the Golden Knights.
UCF returns to action next Saturday in its home opener vs. No. 10 West Virginia at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and tickets remain for the game. To purchase tickets, contact the UCF ticket office at 407-823-GOLD via the internet at ucfathletics.com.