The 2002 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 2002 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their 13th year under head coach Barry Alvarez, the Badgers compiled an 8âÂÂ6 record (2âÂÂ6 in conference games), finished in a tie for eighth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 372 to 322. The Badgers opened the season with victories in five consecutive non-conference games, but lost six of eight conference games, including No. 20 Penn State, No. 4 Ohio State, No. 9 Iowa, and No. 12 Michigan. They concluded the season with a 31âÂÂ28 overtime victory over No. 14 Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. The Badgers were not ranked in the final polls.
The team's statistical leaders included: running back Anthony Davis (1,506 rushing yards, 72 points scored); quarterback Brooks Bollinger (1,551 passing yards); wide receivers Jonathan Orr (820 receiving yards) and Brand Williams (49 receptions); and defensive back Ryan Aiello (68 solo tackles, 98 total tackles). Sophomore wide receiver Lee Evans did not play due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in the spring game.
The team played its home games at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.