Rose Bowl 2012: Why Wisconsin Badgers Will Prove They're Underrated

The Wisconsin Badgers will prove that they are an underrated team.

It sounds shocking to say, but people seem to have forgotten how good the Badgers were.

After dismantling their first six opponents, pundits were talking about a National Championship for Bucky. Russell Wilson seemed to answer the question that always haunted the Badgers in the passing game. He made them a complete team, and it looked like the Badgers were going to make a run at a title.

Then the Badgers slipped up. They fell to Michigan State and Ohio State in consecutive weeks, and all of a sudden, people forgot how good the Badgers were.

Now, after avenging their loss against Michigan State in the Big 10 Championship, the Badgers are in the Rose Bowl.

And it doesn't seem like people remember how good they are.

Wilson continues to play well. He can make any throw, and he is mobile enough to keep opponents' linebackers busy. With him running the offense, the Badgers are tough.

However, that's not why they're so good. The running game is what makes the Badgers one of the best teams in the country.

Montee Ball was a Heisman Finalist, and he has run with a purpose for his whole career. He has a chance to be a solid running back in the NFL someday, and he's terrorizing the college game until then.

Ball earns 6.4 yards per rush, which leads to a lot of first downs for the Badgers. He keeps the chains moving, and he wears down opposing defenses.

With those two on offense, the Badgers can outscore just about anybody.

Come Monday, they will be outscoring Oregon.

The Badgers were in National Title talk, and with two losses, they (rightfully) dropped out of those talks.

Still, they are one of the best teams in the country. With all these people forgetting, the Badgers have something to prove.

You can be sure they'll prove they are as good as advertised.