Rose Bowl 2012: Wisconsin Badgers Defense Will Slow Potent Oregon Ducks Offense

At first glance of this year's Rose Bowl between the Wisconsin Badgers and Oregon Ducks, I count three players that could have easily won the Heisman this season.

Montee Ball, Russell Wilson and LaMichael James all had tremendous seasons, and it's no coincidence they headline two amazing offenses. 

Just look at the numbers. 

Ball ran for 1,759 yards and a ridiculous 32 touchdowns. Wilson completed over 72 percent of passes en route to almost 3,000 yards, 31 touchdowns and three interceptions. James ran for 1,646 yards and 17 touchdowns, and those numbers aren't higher because Oregon has so many other weapons on offense.

Wisconsin is seventh in the country in points per game. Oregon is third. Wisconsin is sixth in yards per play. Oregon is fourth. Wisconsin is 17th in total yards per game. Oregon is sixth.

This game might not turn into Baylor-Washington, but both of these teams probably would have dropped 85 points against either of those defenses last night. That's how scary-efficient they are. 

Because of both teams' offensive prowess, this one is going to come down to the defense. Whichever team can force a turnover or simply get a timely couple of stops will come out the winner.

So let's take a look at the defensive numbers.

Wisconsin is seventh in points allowed. Oregon is 47th. Wisconsin is eighth in opponents' yards per game. Oregon is 61st. 

Granted, those numbers are a little skewed because Oregon plays in a tougher offensive conference, but those are big differences. 

Call it a gut feeling, but I just think the Wisconsin defense, which is more used to grind-it-out games in the Big 10, will make the right plays at the right time for a win.

Something like 38-34 seems likely, and while it could easily go either way, I'll go with the Badgers.