Rose Bowl 2012: Russell Wilson and Wisconsin Badgers Will Shock Oregon Ducks

Sick uniforms don’t win championships.

The Oregon Ducks are arguably the most exciting team to watch in college football, but they’ll fall short against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2011 Rose Bowl. According to ESPN, Oregon is a six-point favorite over the Badgers, but such a wide margin is a result of the slow Big Ten stereotype versus the explosive Ducks. In the sport of football, though, fielding a stiff defense, strong quarterback play and a consistent running game are common keys to victory, not jaw-dropping 40 times.

Between the two starting quarterbacks, it isn’t difficult to see that Russell Wilson is the superior passer.

Wilson threw for 31 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions; while Oregon’s Darren Thomas tossed 30 TDs and six INTs on the year. Sure, Thomas still finished the regular season with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, but his efficiency isn’t even close to Wilson’s. 

The MLB prospect boasted a completion percentage of 72.5 percent and 10.14 yards per attempt. Thomas’ numbers paled in comparison as a 61.4 percent passer with just a 7.89 YPA.

Oregon makes up for their disadvantage in the passing game with a three-headed rushing attack featuring LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas. The Ducks own the fifth-ranked rushing attack in the nation, but the Badgers are no slouches in that category at No. 11. And while Oregon may have more depth at the halfback position, no runner has been more dominant this season than Montee Ball, who rushed for 1,759 yards and an insane 32 touchdowns.

While the running games are similar in strength, the defenses are not. Oregon surrendered an average of 6.6 more points per game than Wisconsin did this year. The Badgers can rely on their sixth ranked defense to win football games for them, but the Ducks win all of of their games in shootouts as a result of their high-powered offense.

Minus Wisconsin fans, the vast majority of the country will be picking and rooting for Oregon on Monday because they’re so fun to watch. The Ducks may make SportsCenter more frequently, but the Badgers are a more complete football team and will just edge out their opposition.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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