Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl: A Guide to the Matchup vs. Oregon

Sean LansingDec 4, 2011

It's official.

For the second year in a row, the Wisconsin Badgers are Big 10 Champs, and they're going to the Rose Bowl.

Waiting for the Badgers in Pasadena will be the No. 5 Oregon Ducks, who won the Pac-12 this season in convincing fashion.

Here is everything you need to know for the "Granddaddy of Them All" on Jan. 2.

Bowl Information

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Date: Jan. 2, 2012

Time: 5 p.m., EST

Location: Pasadena, CA

TV: ESPN

Announcers: Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and Erin Andrews.

Payout: $18 Million per team.

Wisconsin's Strength: The Offense

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Wisconsin boasts one of the nation's most prolific offenses.

The Badgers average 44.6 points per-game—good for fourth in the nation—and they rank in the top 10 in rushing offense.

Quarterback Russell Wilson led the nation in pass efficiency, and running back Montee Ball had a season for the ages by registering 38 touchdowns—good for second all-time behind only Barry Sanders.

Oregon's Strength: The Offense

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Few teams put up more points than the Badgers this season, and Oregon was one of them.

The Ducks average 46.2 points per-game, and they are third in the nation in rushing.

Running back LaMichael James is a standout who rushed for over 1,600 yards and 17 TD’s despite battling injuries.

Wisconsin's Weakness: Special Teams

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Every game seems like an adventure for the Badgers on special teams.

If it wasn't for two blocked punts mid-season, Wisconsin might be playing in New Orleans for the Coaches Trophy instead of in Pasadena for the Roses.

In a game that features two world-class offenses, special teams could be the difference.

Oregon'S Weakness: Pass Defense

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This season, the Ducks ranked near the bottom of the NCAA in pass defense.

Running back Montee Ball is the Badgers' best player, but quarterback Russell Wilson is a close second.

If Wisconsin is going to win this match up of two pretty even offenses, they are going to need to exploit the Ducks' secondary.

How Wisconsin Got Here

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In late October, the Badgers' dream season turned ugly.

Back-to-back last-second losses to Michigan State and Ohio State left Wisconsin fans wondering if their team would even make a January bowl game.

Instead of folding, the Badgers ripped off five straight wins, including a thrilling 42-39 victory over the Spartans in the inaugural Big 10 championship game to secure a spot in the Rose Bowl.

How Oregon Got Here

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The Ducks’ dream of returning to the BCS title game for the second year in a row was finished before it started.

An opening week loss to No. 1 LSU left Oregon with an uphill climb to the BCS.

The Ducks lost just once the rest of the season, and they defeated UCLA in the inaugural Pac-12 title game to earn a trip to Pasadena for the second time in three years.

Wisconsin's Best Player: RB Montee Ball

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How is Montee Ball still not getting any attention in the Heisman race?

All he's done is lead the nation in rushing, with almost 1,800 yards while, registering 38 touchdowns—good for second all-time behind the legendary Barry Sanders.