Rose Bowl 2010 Scenario : Iowa Vs Oregon

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, scenarios are brewing left and right regarding BCS Bowl match ups.

As we sit now, the Rose Bowl will feature the Ducks of Oregon against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes have squeaked by week after week, finding ways to win, perfect record intact. The Hawkeyes are 9-0, no. 1 in the computers, no. 4 in the BCS Standings, and are on their way to a Big Ten Title, barring an Ohio State victory on Saturday, November 14th.

The Ducks, fresh off a Trojan trouncing Saturday night are currently 10th in the BCS, with a more than respectable 7-1 record. Their only loss came at the hands of Boise State, who were ranked 14th in the nation.

There is a lot of talk about the Big Ten, mainly focusing on how weak the conference is. Iowa has remained consistently lucky, pulling wins from out of thin air. This is not meant to discredit the Hawkeyes in anyway, but it's true.

Northern Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana. All four of these victories came down to last second plays, generous penalties, and flat out luck. The Hawkeyes have their eye on the Rose Bowl, but can they keep up with the high flying Ducks?

Oregon's strength of schedule is heartier, they've faced four top 20 teams, beat three of them. Boise State plucked Oregon in week one, a game that will forever live in infamy (LeGarrette Blount incident). The Ducks beat Utah (18) by a touchdown, embarrassed Cal (6) 42-3, and clearly the marquee win of the season came Halloween night when they toppled Troy (USC Trojans 4).

Oregon's explosive offense is the real deal, turning out lopsided victories on a weekly basis.

Who has Iowa played?

I know they can only play the games on their schedule, but let's be realistic here. Last second wins over mediocre teams hardly constitute nor deserve a no. 4 ranking, let alone BCS Championship consideration.

Iowa struggled with Northern Iowa, barely got past a so-so Michigan Wolverine squad, and eeked one out against the Michigan State Spartans. To top it off, they've only squared off against ONE ranked team, Penn State, beating them 21-10 in Happy Valley. Factor in the fact that it was a night game, AT Penn State, and the Nittany Lions were then no. 5, it was an IMPRESSIVE win.

The Hawkeyes didn't exactly bully "little brothers" Arkansas State or Northern Iowa, and have had considerable problems taking out conference foes.

Consistent and reliable are NOT words that should be used to characterize Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who's thrown more picks than touchdowns this year (13-14). Stanzi was picked FIVE times by the Hoosiers, who are one of the door-mats of the Big Ten. He is easily rattled, loses rhythm more times than not, and would be devoured by an Oregon Duck defense.

On the other hand, Oregon's gun slinging Jeremiah Masoli has been incredibly poised, and would easily disect the Hawkeye defense.

Oregon can run the ball, proven by LeMichael James' gaudy numbers so far, while Iowa's Adam Robinson is out for the season. If Robinson happens to be healthy enough to compete in the Rose Bowl, fans would be in for an epic running back to running back duel.

Oregon's numbers are far superior to Iowa's, just like the competition they've faced. Iowa is a good team, Oregon is a great team.

The Ducks would embarrass the Hawkeyes and the Big Ten conference in the Rose Bowl, should they play.

The game would be ridiculously lop sided, as Oregon would emerge victorious in convincing fashion.

The Hawkeyes must prove that they are "for real" against Ohio State two weeks from now, the Ducks already have.