Rose Bowl 2012: Breaking Down Wisconsin Badgers vs. Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks battling the Wisconsin Badgers is one of the most anticipated Rose Bowl games in recent years, and with so much offensive talent on the field, fans can expect an epic shootout. 

Stars like Russell Wilson, Montee Ball and LaMichael James will be crushing the stat sheet, frequently finding the end zone, which is sure to please the fans. 

So, who has the edge? 

It's a question many have pondered leading up to the game, and it certainly leads to heated debates.

Both teams excel on offense, with the Badgers averaging 44 points per game and the Ducks averaging 46.

Since there is so much offensive firepower on the field, it's tough to determine which team truly is better than the other. 

Thus, we anxiously await for kickoff to truly determine who is the best. Until then, we'll break down the game and give insight for both teams. 

When: Monday, Jan. 2, at 5 p.m. ET 

Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com 

Betting Line: Oregon (-6) per vegasinsider.com

Keys to Wisconsin Victory 

The Badgers have to have success on the ground. Montee Ball played out of his mind this season, leading the nation in rushing with 1,759, and he scored 38 touchdowns. 

Oregon ranked 46th in the country against the run, meaning it is capable of denying Ball any room to run. Whether or not the Ducks actually do remains to be seen. 

If Ball and James White aren't able to chew up the clock with the run game, it will give the Ducks more opportunities to put points on the board, which Wisconsin must prevent. 

Keys to Oregon Victory

The Ducks have to make the most out of every drive. That, of course, is very cliche, but since they're up against a team that can score at will, every possession counts. 

Oregon only faced a couple teams this season with as much talent on offense as it, and the Ducks' defense didn't do so hot against the elite teams. 

This means matching Wisconsin score for score is a must because playing from behind will not work well for the Ducks. 

Oregon relies on the big play a lot, so that must happen in order to have success. If it doesn't, controlling time of possession will be come very crucial. 

Wisconsin Player to Watch 

While Ball has been the most dominant player for Wisconsin this year, the play of QB Russell Wilson is equally if not more important for the Rose Bowl. 

Ball will get his yardage, but in high pressure situations like 3rd-and-long, it's Wilson that has to step up. Keeping the drive alive is very vital, as it prevents Oregon's dynamic offense from being on the field. 

Wilson will be counted on in big moments, and if he fails, it greatly increases the chances of Oregon winning. 

Oregon Player to Watch 

LaMichael James rushed for over 200 yards in four different games this year, which is proof of his value to the Ducks offense. 

I don't think he'll have that total, but James will definitely need to surpass over 100 yards if the Ducks plan on winning. He's failed to do that four times this year, and the Ducks lost two of those games. 

Against the Badgers, the Ducks are relying on James to get them a victory, but a poor performance from him would almost certainly equal a loss. 

New Uniforms 

Thanks to Nike and adidas, both teams will be sporting new digs at the Rose Bowl. Here's the Ducks uniform:

And here is the Badgers':

Both are very different, but they will equally excite the players that will be wearing them. Which one do you like better? 

I give the edge to Oregon, but Wisconsin comes close, especially because of the Badgers helmet. 

Key Matchup 

The key matchup in this game is all about the run. Wisconsin's run defense is 47th in the country, but Oregon's rushing attack ranks as the fifth best in the nation. 

James, Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas will be running wild for Oregon, and if Wisconsin fails to stop any of them from busting the big play, it will be hard to win this game. 

The Ducks have a ton of speed, so it won't be easy. However, it is the sole focus for Wisconsin in this game. 

Prediction 

Expect a close game for all four quarters, which will be fantastic because this is a BCS bowl game. It's what fans want to see on the big stage. 

In the end, Wisconsin will triumph because of Russell Wilson. He's proven he can win in the clutch, and he'll succeed in his final collegiate game. 

Badgers 38, Ducks 35