2012 Rose Bowl Oregon vs. Wisconsin: 5 Key Halftime Stats for the Ducks

 

The Ducks are in for a track meet in the 98th Rose Bowl.  Here are the stats that tell the story.

56: Total First Half Points

Bring out the water because the barn is burning. The inflated halftime score should come as no surprise, as these two teams combine to average over 90 points per game during the regular season. The Ducks offense is going to need to put up points if they are going to finally come through in a BCS game.  

8:40: Time of Possession

The Ducks scored 28 points on 29 plays in the first half. Scoring fast is all well and good, except it means that the defense has to get right back on the field.  The Ducks might want to slow things down, just a bit. 

191: Total Yards for DAT 

De’Anthony Thomas is a difference maker, simple as that. The Badgers got a taste of his blazing speed when he put the afterburners on for a 91-yard touchdown run on the last play of the first quarter.  Look for him to make a difference against a tired Badgers defense in the second half, as long as he can hang on to the ball.

138: Rushing Yards for Wisconsin

The Badgers whole offense is designed around Montee Ball and the big boys up front. If the Ducks can find a way to contain the run, they may be able to force Russell Wilson to try and fit the ball into small spaces and cause a few turnovers.

82: Game-Time Temperature

Southern California’s warm winter weather could prove to be a huge advantage for the Oregon in the second half. The Ducks' ability to rotate players on offense and defense will keep the them fresh, while the bigger Badgers are more likely to wear down. Plus, the sun shining off the Ducks' new reflective helmets may actually blind Wisconsin’s defense. So, they’ve got that going for them.