Jeff Mack Sr., whose memorable catch led to Wisconsin's upset of No. 4 Nebraska in 1974, has died at age 68

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON – The University of Wisconsin athletic department has lost a family member who contributed to one of the more memorable victories in in the history of the football program.

Jeff Mack Sr. died May 8. He was 68.

Mack played flanker under John Jardine and lettered in 1972, 1973 and 1974. His son, Jeff Mack Jr., played linebacker at UW from 2000 through 2003.

The second game of the 1974 season gave Mack the opportunity to help UW record a dramatic home victory over then-No. 4 Nebraska.

UW had suffered a 20-16 loss to the Cornhuskers in Lincoln the previous season but the Badgers entered the rematch confident they could win.

The Badgers trailed, 20-14, in the final quarter and faced second and 17 when quarterback Gregg Bohlig rolled right and looked for Mack down the right sideline.

Bohilig hit Mack in-stride at the Cornhuskers’ 48 and Mack easily outraced the Nebraska defenders to the south end zone.

Vince Lamia added the extra point and safety Steve Wagner recorded a late interception to help seal the 21-20 victory with a in front of a crowd of 73,381.

Wisconsin receiver Jeff Mack Sr. turns the corner in the end zone following a 77-yard touchdown reception in a 21-20 victory over fourth-ranked Nebraska on Sept. 21, 1974 at Camp Randall Stadium.

Mack played football (running back) and basketball (point guard) at Farragut High School in Chicago. As a senior he won the prestigious Knute Rockne Trophy for most outstanding football player in Illinois.

He finished with more than 1,800 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons at UW. His average of 19.4 yards per reception is No. 3 in program history, behind Tony Simmons (20.1) and Lee Evans (19.8).

UW finished 5-3 in the Big Ten and 7-4 overall in 1974, with the victory over Nebraska the highlight of the season.

Mack is survived by his wife (Kirbie) and three children – Jeff Jr., Maaina and Anisha. He was involved in coaching and worked with the Southside Raiders, South Madison Spartans and West High Regents.

Visitation is scheduled to be held from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at the Fountain of Life Church, located at 633 West Badger Road in Madison. The funeral service is to be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donation are requested to: Southside Raiders Youth Football & Cheerleading Program, P.O. Box 258075, 53725-8075.