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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers Fans Reflect on Melvin Gordon's 408-Yard Rushing Performance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dillon Graff | Last updated Nov 15, 2024 5:28 PM ET

Former Wisconsin Badgers legend Melvin Gordon is set to return to Madison this weekend, revisiting the place where he cemented himself as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.

The Kenosha (Wis.) native will be honored during the Badgers Saturday night matchup against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks. It marks the 10-year anniversary of Gordon's unforgettable 408-yard rushing performance against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a game that rewrote the record books.

That snowy November day in 2014, Gordon put on a show for Badgers fans, shredding the Nebraska defense in a rout that still gets talked about in college football circles. On the night, Gordon carried the ball 25 times for 408 yards rushing (16.3 yards per carry) and four rushing touchdowns.

"It's like everyone else was in snowboots, and he [Gordon] was running on air," Barry Alvarez said.

At the time, Gordon’s 408 rushing yards set a new single-game NCAA record, surpassing LaDainian Tomlinson’s mark from 1999 (406), a feat he achieved it in just three quarters of play. It was a moment of disbelief for Wisconsin fans, watching an in-state product deliver an absolutely ridiculous performance.

As Wisconsin prepares to honor one of its all-time greatest players, fans have been reflecting on their memories from that night on social media.

Jerry Mao, the Badgers Assistant Director of Creative Media, reflected on the milestone, sharing his personal connection to the program and Melvin Gordon’s lasting impact.

“10 years ago was my first full time season working at Wisconsin. It also happened to have one of my favorite memories in Camp Randall, on one of my favorite players all time. It was fun revisiting it through the lens of his former teammates," Mao shared on X, calling Gordon the .

Former Wisconsin football offensive lineman Jake Maxwell added his own high praise for the performance.

“This is the greatest individual performance in football history,” Maxwell wrote. “Nothing else compares. #OnWisconsin.”

This is the greatest individual performance in football history.

Nothing else compares. #OnWisconsin https://t.co/E5fHWhILUQ
— Jake Maxwell (@J_Max_well) November 15, 2024

Fans also shared their personal stories and memories of the game.

“I’ll always remember this game,” one fan wrote. “It was the first game after my grandma’s passing and my grandpa was a huge Badgers fan.

“The surprise and joy that it brought to his mourning heart, even temporarily, was unbelievable ❤️”

Badger Sports Report Editor and photographer Stephanie Olson echoed the sentiment, recalling the electric atmosphere at Camp Randall.

“The Camp was pure MAGICAL that night. Best. Night. Ever,” Olson said.

Took my best friend to the game and she had no idea what was going on but I let her know this was HISTORY.

Then we drove back in a snow storm to go to a Bachelorette party.

The Camp was pure MAGICAL that night.

Best. Night. Ever. https://t.co/eK1a0pNtEj
— Stephanie Olson (@StephO1821) November 15, 2024

Gordon’s record-breaking game against Nebraska was just one very special chapter in an unforgettable season. He finished the year with 2,587 rushing yards—the second-most in NCAA history—trailing only Barry Sanders’ legendary 2,628-yard campaign in 1988. Averaging an incredible 7.5 yards per carry and scoring 32 total touchdowns, Gordon’s dominance solidified his place among college football’s all-time great RBs.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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