2012 Rose Bowl: Latest News, Notes and Analysis for Oregon vs. Wisconsin

It's the Granddaddy of Them All today!

The Oregon Ducks will clash with the Wisconsin Badgers in the first BCS bowl game of the season.

The Ducks are ranked fourth in the nation, while the Badgers are ranked 10th.

Here is a list of quick notes and news of the game that you may not have known and should keep an eye on.

Note: Ducks Close to Having Two 1,000-Yard Rushers

Kenjon Barner currently sits at 909 yards rushing this season despite missing two games and being the second stringer.

If he can rush for 91 yards today against Wisconsin, it will be only the second time that Oregon has two 1,000-yard rushers after LeGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson did it back in 2008.

Note: Wisconsin had two 1,000-yard rushers last year and a 900-yard rusher in John Clay, James White and Montee Ball, respectively.

Both Teams the Loser

Both teams are the reigning Rose Bowl losers.

Oregon lost too Ohio State in the 2010 Rose Bowl while Wisconsin lost to TCU in last year's edition of the game.

This year at least one of those teams will get a win.

Gildon Unsure If He Will Go

Oregon starting cornerback Anthony Gildon is still not sure if he will be able to play in his last game with a shoulder injury.

Chip Kelly never reveals anything on injuries so we won't be able to see if Gildon plays at all until kickoff.

If Gildon is out, look for freshman Ifo Ekpre-Olomu to start in his place.

Bulletin Board: Asper Rescuses Choking Man

Oregon offensive lineman Mark Asper saved a man who was choking on a piece of meat earlier last week at a promotion at a restaurant.

Asper performed the Heimlich maneuver on the man, who eventually coughed the piece of meat up.

His response to whether he likes to be known as "Heimlich Guy"?

“It's better than the ‘suspension guy’ or the ‘speeding ticket guy,’” Asper said. “I'll take the ‘Heimlich guy,’ sure.”

Be prepared to hear this story a lot from the broadcast booth.

Chryst Takes Pitt Job

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst took the Pittsburgh Panthers head coaching job several weeks ago which could end up hurting the Badgers during the game.

Chryst has had to split his time from working with the offense and the quarterback to preparing a staff and recruiting for Pitt.

Watch the Badgers closely on offense.