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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Andy Dalton #14, center Jake Kirkpatrick #76 and wide receiver Alonzo Adams #81 celebrate their 66-17 win over the University of New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Alb
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Andy Dalton #14, center Jake Kirkpatrick #76 and wide receiver Alonzo Adams #81 celebrate their 66-17 win over the University of New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in AlbEric Draper/Getty Images

Rose Bowl: Who Has More Chinks in the Armor, Wisconsin or TCU?

Chris HumphreyDec 31, 2010

With all the countless bowl games that have invaded the once minimal bowl season, the Rose Bowl game still shines above all others as it is one of the most recognizable and historic bowl games in all of college football.

As the traditional Pac-10-Big 10 matchup will not happen this year to due Oregon's inclusion into the BCS title game, the undefeated TCU Horned Frogs of the Mountain West will replace the Pac-10 representative as the Big 10 will send champion Wisconsin in a game which will surely light up the scoreboard in Pasadena.

Even after one undefeated season and another one loss season, the two teams heading to the Pacific coast will need to sure up any weakness that may have been uncovered by the opposing coaching staff that could help one team walk out of the grand daddy of them all this Saturday night.

With that being said, let’s find out what part of these programs will win the Rose Bowl

This article is also available on A Blue and Gold State of Mind.

Offensive Rankings

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: James Dunbar #56 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates the win over the New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. TCU won 66-17. (Photo by Eric Draper/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: James Dunbar #56 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates the win over the New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. TCU won 66-17. (Photo by Eric Draper/Getty Images)

TCU:

Total Offense: 9th in the nation (491 yards per game)

Passing Offense: 53rd in the nation (230 yards per game)

Rushing Offense: 7th in the nation (261 yards per game)

Points per Game: T-4th in the nation (43 points per game)

Wisconsin:

Total Offense: 18th in the nation (450 yards per game)

Passing Offense: 74th in the nation (202 yards per game)

Rushing Offense: 12th in the nation (247 yards per game)

Points per Game: T-4th in the nation (43 points per game)

When you look at these two teams on paper, the two offenses look to be evenly matched at the running and passing games, with an identical mark at putting points on the board with over 40 points per game in the regular season.

Defensive Rankings

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Gary Patterson of the TCU Horned Frogs is doused with Gatorade by his players while celebrating their win over the New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. TCU won 66
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Gary Patterson of the TCU Horned Frogs is doused with Gatorade by his players while celebrating their win over the New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. TCU won 66

TCU:

Total Defense: 1st in the nation (215 yards per game)

Rushing Defense: 3rd in the nation (89 yards per game)

Passing Defense: 1st in the nation

Points per Game: 1st in the nation (11 points per game)

Wisconsin:

Total Defense: 22nd in the nation (323 yards per game)

Rushing Defense: T-30th in the nation (131 yards per game)

Passing Defense: 25th in the nation

Points per Game: 29th in the nation (20 points per game)

When looking for chinks in the armor, the biggest hole that could determine the Rose Bowl winner would be the Badgers defense trying to contain the high powered TCU offense led by senior Andy Dalton.

Quarterbacks

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23- Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws under pressure from the University of Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin won 31-30 over
IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23- Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws under pressure from the University of Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin won 31-30 over

TCU, Andy Dalton – 194-293 Attempts, 2638 Yards, 28 Touchdowns, Six Interceptions

Wisconsin, Scott Tolzien – 182-245 Attempts, 2300 Yards, 32 Touchdowns, 18 Interceptions

With both quarterbacks being prolific passers, the one thing that I see being a game changer is the amount of interceptions that Tolzien has given away. With the solid TCU defense, I see multiple Badger turnovers that could break the game open towards the second half.

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Running Backs

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20:  James White #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers treies to get around the tackle of Jordan Kovacs #32 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wisconson won the game 48-28.  (Photo b
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20: James White #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers treies to get around the tackle of Jordan Kovacs #32 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wisconson won the game 48-28. (Photo b

TCU, Ed Wesley – 162 Carries, 1065 Yards, 11 Touchdowns

Wisconsin, James White – 148 Carries, 1029 Yards, 14 Touchdowns

The tandem of John Clay and James White has run over Wisconsin's 2010 schedule of opponents to the tune of nearly 2000 yards combined this year but that game plan will be battered by the speedy top ranked TCU defense.

Receivers & Tight Ends

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30:  Josh Boyce #82 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs runs for yardage after a reception against Starr Fuimaono #24 of the UNLV Rebels during the second quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Veg
LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Josh Boyce #82 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs runs for yardage after a reception against Starr Fuimaono #24 of the UNLV Rebels during the second quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Veg

TCU, WR Josh Boyce – 33 Catches, 602 Yards, Six Touchdowns

Wisconsin, TE Lance Kendrick – 39 Catches, 627 Yards, Five Touchdowns

The TCU stable of wide-outs in Josh Boyce and Jeremy Kerley will have the ability to make more plays than the Wisconsin stable of wide-outs especially with the expert throwing of senior Andy Dalton during the Rose Bowl.

Defensive Line

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Gary Patterson (R) of the TCU Horned Frogs with his team on the sidelines during their 66-17 win over the University of New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Phot
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Gary Patterson (R) of the TCU Horned Frogs with his team on the sidelines during their 66-17 win over the University of New Mexico Lobos on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Phot

TCU, Wayne Daniels - 33 Total Tackles

Wisconsin, JJ Watt - 59 Total Tackles, Seven Sacks, Interception, Two Forced Fumbles

The TCU and Wisconsin run defenses will need to bring their A-game this Saturday as they try to hold each set of running backs in check, aswell as attempt to put pressure on the two veteran quarterbacks under center.

Linebackers

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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 24:  Safety Tejay Johnson #3 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates his touchdown pass interception with Tank Carder #43 in the fourth quarter against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 24, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.  (Phot
DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 24: Safety Tejay Johnson #3 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates his touchdown pass interception with Tank Carder #43 in the fourth quarter against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on September 24, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Phot

TCU, Tank Carder - 55 Total Tackles, Three Sacks, Forced Fumble, Interception 

Wisconsin, Mike Taylor - 50 Total Tackles, Sack, Two Interceptions

The emotional leader of the Horned Frogs being Carder will need to sure up the box as James White, John Clay and the imposing Badger running game will need to be held in check.

Defensive Backs

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FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 16:  Quarterback Max Hall #15 of the BYU Cougars dives for a touchdown against Tejay Johnson #3 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 16, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Mar
FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Max Hall #15 of the BYU Cougars dives for a touchdown against Tejay Johnson #3 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 16, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Mar

TCU, Tejay Jackson – 53 Total Tackles, Two Forced Fumbles, Three Interceptions,

Wisconsin, Antonio Fenelus – 53 Total Tackles, Forced Fumble, Four Interceptions

As the two defenses try to contain the other team's offense, the edge will continue to be with the Horned Frogs as their No.1 ranked defense will limit the passing game of the Badgers and Scott Tolzien all game along.

Special Teams

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 04:  Kicker Ross Evans #37 of the TCU Horned Frogs at Cowboys Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 04: Kicker Ross Evans #37 of the TCU Horned Frogs at Cowboys Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

TCU, Ross Evans – 11-13 Field Goal Attempts

Wisconsin, Phillip Welch – 15-19 Field Goal Attempts

As these two offenses have been juggernauts this season, the role of the kicker will probably not be needed as the game gets into the waning minutes.

Coaching Staff

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TCU, Gary Patterson – 97-28 in 10 seasons at TCU, Three Conference Titles (1 C-USA, 3 MWC)

Wisconsin, Bret Bielema – 49-15 in five seasons at Wisconsin, One Big Ten Title (2010)


With two great coaches, it's very hard to pick either coach with the success that each have had at their respective schools and will have in the years to come as the Big Ten expands to 12 and the Horned Frogs move to the Big East.

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