Rose Bowl 2012: 4 Halftime Adjustments Wisconsin Badgers Must Make

It looks like like 2012 Rose Bowl game is going to be a shootout. The Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin Badgers are matching blow for blow and neither defense has figured out how to stop the opposing offense.

It doesn't look like the Ducks defense has figured out how to stop Montee Ball yet, and they might not be able to for the rest of the game due to his rare combination of power and speed. If the Ducks do find a way to contain Ball, enter Russell Wilson. He won't hesitate to take over the game if needed.

But the defense, on the other hand, will have a lot to talk about in the locker room. Not only have they allowed Oregon to score often, but quickly. And I mean lightning quick.

Here's four halftime adjustments the Badgers will need to make in the locker room.

1. Don't Deviate Away from Montee Ball

Ball is getting positive yardage practically every time he touches the ball. The offensive line is opening some holes for him, but he's also made some people miss on the outside. The Ducks have a "bend, but don't break" style of defense, so keep pounding the rock with Ball and something will inevitably give.

2. Find a Way to Slow Down Ducks Offense

As soon as each team scored on their first possession, you knew it was going to be a shootout. LaMichael James looks comfortable and explosive, and the Badgers were introduced to the freshman phenom De'Anthony Thomas on the last play of the first quarter. It might not be easy, but they need to slow down Oregon's offense.

3. Exploit the Inexperience in the Ducks Secondary

They already beat true freshman cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu on a play-action pass. They need to keep going after them with Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis to move the chains. With the defense focusing on stopping the run, the play-action pass could be lethal.

4. Get Penetration on Defense

Whether it's pressure on Darron Thomas or disrupting the running lanes, Wisconsin's defensive line needs to make their presence known in this game. Thomas is having all day to throw and the Ducks running backs are running with nothing but green grass in front of them. If Wisconsin can't find a way to wreak havoc in the Ducks backfield, it's going to be a long day for the Badgers defense.