Rose Bowl 2012: The 5 Best Players on the Field for Wisconsin and Oregon

While the matchups in some of the other BCS bowl games remains to be seen, it is a certainty that Wisconsin and Oregon will be squaring off in the Rose Bowl.

Two of the most explosive offenses in the country will be on display in what promises to be a high-scoring shootout with its fair share of big plays.

Explosive offenses certainly have talented players. 

Here are the five best players that will be on the field during the Rose Bowl.  

Oregon RB Kenjon Barner

Kenjon Barner is a backup to LaMichael James, but is probably the most talented backup in the country.

He is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and has rushed for over 900 yards on the season to go along with 11 touchdowns.

He is also a threat through the air with 132 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Wisconsin can expect to get a heavy does of Barner when James needs a breather.

Oregon QB Darron Thomas

Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas can beat teams with his arm and his legs. 

He has passed for 30 touchdowns this season and nearly 2,500 yards with only six interceptions. 

Thomas has also rushed for 205 yards and three more touchdowns.

Containing him will be the key to victory for Wisconsin.  

Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson

While Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson has not thrown the ball as many times as he has in the past, he may be having his best year yet as a collegiate quarterback.  

Wilson has passed for 2,879 yards and 31 touchdowns to go along with only three interceptions.

Like Thomas, he can also beat teams with his feet.

Wilson has rushed for 320 yards and five touchdowns.

Oregon RB LaMichael James

The Rose Bowl will feature two of the top three running backs in the country. 

LaMichael James is averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He has 17 rushing touchdowns and 1,646 yards. 

Simply put, he is the most explosive player in the country. 

Give him an inch and he will take a mile, or until he finds the end zone. 

Wisconsin RB Montee Ball

Ball has had such a good year, he is garnering Heisman consideration. 

With 1,759 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, Ball is averaging 6.4 yards per carry. 

He can also catch the ball out of the backfield with 255 yards receiving and six more touchdowns. 

Oregon will have to find a way to slow him down to come out victorious in this one.