The 2000 Wisconsin Badgers football team was an American football team that represented the University of WisconsinâÂÂMadison as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their 11th year under head coach Barry Alvarez, the Badgers compiled a 9âÂÂ4 record (4âÂÂ4 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for fifth in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 328 to 265. Against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 9 Michigan, No. 8 Ohio State, and No. 17 Purdue. They concluded the season with a 21âÂÂ20 victory over unranked UCLAin the Sun Bowl. The Badger were ranked No. 23 in the final AP poll.
The team's statistical leaders included running back Michael Bennett (1,681 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns), quarterback Brooks Bollinger (1,479 passing yards, 121.17 passer rating), wide receiver Chris Chambers (52 catches, 813 yards), kicker Vital Pisetsky (70 points scored), and linebacker Nick Greisen (90 solo tackles, 146 total tackles). Cornerback Jamar Fletcher tallied seven interceptions and 14 pass breakups, won the Jim Thorpe Award, and was a consensus first-team All-American. Punter Kevin Stemke punted 69 times for an average of 44.49 yards and won the Ray Guy Award as the most outstanding punter in college football.
The team played its home games at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Badgers outscored opponents by a total of 328 (25.23 points per game) to 265 (20.38 points per game). The Badgers gained an average of 358.8 yards of total offense per game, consisting of 196.1 rushing yards and 162.77 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up 392.1 yards of total offense per game, consisting of 150.6 rushing yards and 241.46 passing yards per game.
Michael Bennett led the team in rushing with 1,681 yards on 310 carries, an average of 152.82 yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry. He also led the team with 11 touchdowns.
Quarterback Brooks Bollinger completed 110 of 209 passes (52.63%) for 1,479 yards, 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 121.17 passer rating.
Wide receiver Chris Chambers led the team with 52 receptions for 813 yards, an average of 90.33 yards per game and 15.63 yards per reception.
Kicker Vital Pisetsky led the team in scoring with 70 points. He converted 13 of 22 field goals and 31 of 32 extra points.
The team's defensive leaders included Nick Greisen (90 solo tackles, 146 total tackles, six sacks, 14 tackles for loss), Wendell Bryant (six sacks), Jamar Fletcher (seven interceptions), and Mike Echols (19 pass breakups).
Cornerback Jamar Fletcher tallied seven interceptions and 14 pass breakups, won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football, and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year He was a consensus All-American, receiving first-team honors from, among others, the Associated Press (AP), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Pro Football Weekly, Football News, CNNSI, and Rivals.
Punter Kevin Stemke punted 69 times for an average of 44.49 yards. He and won the inaugural Ray Guy Award as the most outstanding punter in college football. He was also selected as a first-team All-American by CNNSI.
Offensive guard Bill Ferrario was selected as a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly.
Nine Wisconsin players received recognition on the 2000 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Fletcher (Coaches-1, Media-1); Stemke (Coaches-1, Media-1); offensive guard Casey Rabach (Coaches-1, Media-1); defensive lineman Wendell Bryant (Coaches-1, Media-2); linebacker Nick Greisen (Media-1); Ferrario (Coaches-2, Media-2); running back Michael Bennett (Coaches-2, Media-2); and defensive back Mike Echols (Coaches-2, Media-2); and wide receiver Chris Chambers (Coaches-2).