College football

Badgers coach retires in style

By wire services
Published January 3, 2006

ORLANDO - With a masterful offensive performance and a surprisingly stingy defense, Wisconsin gave coach Barry Alvarez a proper sendoff.

Brian Calhoun rushed for 213 yards, John Stocco passed for 301 and Brandon Williams had 173 receiving, lifting the No.21 Badgers to a 24-10 victory over No.7 Auburn in the Capital One Bowl on Monday. It was the perfect tribute to a coach who restored pride to a down-and-out program.

"We wanted to be on," said Stocco, who threw two touchdowns. "We just wanted to thank him for everything he's done, not just this year but since he's been here. This is Coach's day. It just feels great to send him out of here like this."

The Badgers, 101/2-point underdogs, were in control throughout against the Tigers, who ended the regular season with wins over Georgia and Alabama.

Alvarez never let his coaching finale be about him, but the Badgers' near-flawless performance offered a fine opportunity for a little reflection.

"The main thing I'm most proud of is that we brought pride back to our fans for our football program," Alvarez said.

Alvarez, 59, led Wisconsin to eight bowl wins in 16 seasons and will become athletic director. The Badgers, 1-5 in the postseason before his arrival, sent him off with his fourth 10-win season.

[Last modified January 3, 2006, 02:01:28]