MADISON, Wis. -- Ron Dayne's Wisconsin teammates admitted having a few jitters before the Badgers star was awarded the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.

"I got a few butterflies in my stomach just waiting for them to announce it, but I felt confident that he would and I'm glad to see him win it," quarterback Brooks Bollinger said.

The players said the Heisman was not only a win for Dayne, but for them as well.

"I think it's going to take a couple days to realize that we did block for a Heisman winner," offensive guard Bill Ferrario said.

Dayne received the Heisman at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York, while his teammates watched the ceremony on television in Camp Randall Stadium, where the lights flooded the football field for the occasion.

"I think it was kind of fitting that we all watched it as a team and it was nice to see everybody's excitement once they announced the winner, and celebrate with the guys that helped him do it," tackle Chris McIntosh said.

The award was not exactly unexpected, especially after Dayne pushed his career rushing total to 6,397 yards, breaking Ricky Williams' year-old major-college record.

Dayne also led Wisconsin (9-2) to the Big Ten Conference title and a second straight Rose Bowl.

In Wisconsin, football fans in bars and homes across the state watched expectantly before Dayne was handed the trophy.

In a short speech, Dayne singled out Badgers coach Barry Alvarez for teaching him to be not just a football player but also a father to his young daughter. He saved more of his highest praise for his uncle and legal guardian, Ron Reid, for helping him succeed.

Saturday was declared "Ron Dayne Day" in Wisconsin, and Gov. Tommy Thompson said it would be the "crime of the millennium" if Dayne wasn't awarded the Heisman.

Dayne is Wisconsin's second Heisman winner. The first was another running back known for power and speed -- Kenosha native Alan "The Horse" Ameche who won in 1954.