Wisconsin vs. Oregon: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Rose Bowl 2012

Points will be scored at an eye-popping rate as the Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) and Oregon Ducks (11-2) face off in the season's Rose Bowl game. Both teams earned a spot in the marquee bowl by winning conference championships in the Big Ten and Pac-12 respectively.

The Badgers were a heavy favorite in the Big Ten, but back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Ohio State left their hopes hanging by a thread. They bounced back in a big way by rattling off five straight wins, including a rematch with the Spartans in the conference title game.

Oregon has been led to another memorable season by its high-flying offense, which ranked third in the nation at 46 points per game. The Ducks did well not to let a season-opening loss to LSU send their season into turmoil and were aiming for another chance at the Tigers before a loss to USC.

Where: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

When: Monday, Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Listen: WIBA 1310 AM (Wisconsin) or KUGN 590 AM (Oregon)

Betting Line: Oregon -6

Key Storyline: Will the Rose Bowl be this bowl season's most exciting game?

Whenever two great offenses are going shot for shot, it often makes for an instant classic that will be replayed for years to come. Wisconsin and Oregon will likely put on a show that falls into that category once it's over.

There's no shortage of star power, either. It'd be tough to find a better running back matchup than Montee Ball and LaMichael James. Both dynamic backs averaged more than six yards per carry and are surely causing the opposing defensive coordinator to have nightmares.

Who Might Not Play for Wisconsin: OL Peter Konz

Konz has been struggling with an ankle injury for several weeks and hasn't been able to completely shake the pain. The highly-regarded NFL Draft prospect is hoping to be healthy enough to play, according to Benjamin Worgull. His return would be a big boost to the offensive line.

Who Might Not Play for Oregon: WR Justin Hoffman

Hoffman is still dealing with a head injury that caused him to miss the Pac-12 title game. KEZI Sports reports that the wideout didn't take part in any drills at the beginning of practice on Friday. Since Oregon will need every weapon possible at its disposal, the Ducks are hoping he'll be ready to roll.

What They're Saying

George Schroeder of the Register-Guard passed along a quote from Badgers defensive back Aaron Henry, who isn't happy about the lack of attention his team is getting:

The Statesman Journal's Gary Horowitz talked with Ducks running back LaMichael James about his future, but the playmaker says he isn't concerned about anything other than the Rose Bowl:

Wisconsin Player To Watch: RB Montee Ball

Even though Ball was a Heisman Trophy finalist, he never got the respect he deserved for a truly remarkable season. The junior running back gained over 2,000 offensive yards and found the end zone 38 times, which was the most for a non-QB.

Oregon Player To Watch: RB De'Anthony Thomas

Thomas was Oregon's unsung hero. He was able to step in as a freshman and have a major impact almost immediately. He led the team in receiving with 42 catches and nine touchdowns. Thomas also added a handful of scores on the ground while giving Darron Thomas and Kenjon Barner a break.

Key Matchup: Russell Wilson vs. Darron Thomas

These teams are evenly matched, so whichever quarterback is able to make more key completions on third down and in the red zone will likely end up leading his team to victory. Since Wilson and the Badgers make so few turnovers, I tend to lean toward them pulling off the upset.

Prediction

Wisconsin 34, Oregon 31