Wisconsin Badgers host Alabama, tension rises in Madison

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FOX Big Noon Kickoff preparations in Madison before Wisconsin-Alabama game

MADISON, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Badgers host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, kicking off at 11 a.m. on FOX6. With FOX's Big Noon Kickoff in Madison, the excitement on set and on campus is building.

Badgers fans will tell you there is nothing better than a game day in Madison.

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“It’s pretty special, you feel a different energy in the area,” said student Chris Quinlan.

“You always hear that it’s one of the best college towns, but you don’t know until you experience it,” said student Cameron Hansen.

FOX Big Noon Kickoff preparations in Madison before Wisconsin-Alabama game

It seems that this is something that both students and college football icons agree on.

“The atmosphere was crazy, the jump around was crazy. The campus was beautiful,” said Mark Ingram of FOX Sports.

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Ingram, a former Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner, is part of the Big Noon Kickoff team for Saturday's matchup between the Badgers and Crimson Tide.

“I expect nothing less for tomorrow. I know they will come out, make noise and bring energy,” he said.

The show will also be broadcast live outside the Kohl Center.

“I've always gotten along with the students here,” said FOX Sports' Urban Meyer, a former three-time national champion coach. “I love the crowd. We've had two overtime wins here. It's a tough place to play, so I've always liked Wisconsin.”

Badgers fans and students hope the energy isn't just for show.

“Come here and have fun, a good pregame show,” Hansen said. “Big events like this help highlight what's most important in our college town.”

FOX's Big Noon Kickoff tailgate begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday outside the Kohl Center. After the game, you can watch a special edition of FOX6 News exclusively on FOX LOCAL.