Rose Bowl 2012: Why Montee Ball Will Outperform LaMichael James

The 2012 Rose Bowl between the Wisconsin Badgers and Oregon Ducks will feature two of the best running backs in the country.

Montee Ball scored 32 touchdowns and was one of the players invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City.

Ball was first in the nation in both yards (1,759) and touchdowns. He was a huge reason the Badgers were two plays away from playing in the BCS National Championship game. 

LaMichael James battled some injuries, but was still fourth in the country in yards (1,646) and 10th in touchdowns (17).

If James had stayed healthy, he almost certainly would have led the country in yards, but a dislocated elbow slowed him down during the middle of the season.

So, this year's Rose Bowl will be the game to watch if you like the running game.

But, which star running back will have the best performance in the game?

The answer is Montee Ball. Ball will run all over a weaker Oregon defense and could come close to tying Barry Sanders' college record of 37 rushing touchdowns in a season.

Ball is a workhorse who is capable of both running between the tackles and getting to the outside to showcase his speed.

James is more of a finesse back, and he's going to find it hard to find room to run against the Badgers defense.

Plus, the Ducks have more weapons in the running game than just James. Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas also get plenty of carries in the Oregon offense.

But, with Wisconsin, Ball is the guy. He will carry the ball as many times as Russell Wilson will hand it to him.

His combination of speed and power will prove to be too much for the Oregon defense, who hasn't faced a running back as good as Ball all year.

He's also had a month to rest his legs, so he'll come into the Rose Bowl fresh and ready to punish defenders. That's a scary thought.

Look for Wisconsin to ride Ball early to open up some passing lanes for Wilson. Then, they'll go back to Ball if they get a lead.

No team is better at grinding the clock than Wisconsin. That's because it has the best running back in the country in Montee Ball.

He'll prove he's the best running back in the nation on Monday afternoon in the Rose Bowl.