Jan 1, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) scrambles in the first half during the 2013 Rose Bowl game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 6 Stanford Cardinal started out hot to take an early lead and relied on strong defense to finish the game on top over the Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday.

The Cardinal wasted no time moving the ball down field on their first possession of the game. After a beautiful catch by Jamal-Rashad Patterson on a trick play, Kelsey Young practically walked a 16-yard reverse into the end zone.

After Stanford’s defense stopped the Badgers, Kevin Hogan continued their offensive success by stepping into a hit to deliver a beautiful deep ball to Zach Ertz at the two-yard line.

Running back Stepfan Taylor punched the ball in from their for his first score of the day to extend their lead to 14-0.

Stanford’s defense came up huge early in the second quarter, stopping the Badgers on their own doorstep. After two Wisconsin touchdowns were called back, Ben Gardner stopped Badgers running back James White in the backfield to give the ball back to his team.

Wisconsin finally got on the board midway through the second quarter when Montee Ball busted up the middle for an 11-yard rushing touchdown to make the game 14-7.

Jordan Williamson hit a 47-yard field goal with six minutes remaining in the first half to extend Stanford’s lead to 17-7.

However, just before the half, Jordan Frederick caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Curt Phillips to head into the break down only 17-14.

In a largely uneventful second half where both teams failed to get anything going on offense, the team’s exchanged punts until Jordan Williamson drilled a 22-yard field goal to make the game 20-14.

Usua Amanam intercepted a Curt Phillips pass to seal the game with less than two minutes to go and hold onto their 20-14 lead.

David Shaw and his squad will feel great about this win. Even though they never pulled away from the underdog Badgers, their Rose Bowl win should cement their place atop the nation’s rankings.