2011 Bowl Projections: Wisconsin Won't Stop To Smell Roses vs. Oregon

The Wisconsin Badgers are going to have no time to relax and smell the roses in the 2012 Rose Bowl, especially with a high-paced team like the Oregon Ducks on the other sideline.

Even though the Ducks have had somewhat of a disappointing season this year with two losses, there is no doubting that they are still one of the better teams in the nation.

Offensively they are near unstoppable. They are third in the nation with an average of 46.2 points per game, and average an incredible 295.7 yards per game on the ground.

The rushing attack is led by LaMichael James, who has accumulated 1,646 yards, 17 touchdowns and a 7.4 yards per carry average. Those numbers become even more impressive when you consider the two games he missed because of injury.

The quarterback position is manned by sophomore Darron Thomas, who put up 2,493 yards and 30 touchdowns on 194-of-316 passing and only six interceptions.

Simply put, this offense is very good.

Wisconsin may be somewhat underrated coming into this game, though, and they just might have what it takes to keep up with the Ducks.

The Badgers are actually right behind Oregon with an average of 44.6 points per game, so they have the necessary firepower needed to run with the Ducks.

Wisconsin is led by senior quarterback Russell Wilson, who has put up 2,879 yards, 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

They also have a very strong running game that features junior running back Montee Ball, who accumulated 1,759 yards and 32 touchdowns this season on 275 attempts.

The Badgers' one advantage may come on defense, where they are only giving up 17 points per game, compared to the 23.6 the Ducks surrender.

While defense may be the Badgers' key, I have a hard time believing they will be able to stop Oregon. They may be able to slow them down a bit, but this is a tough offense to completely shut down.

With that in mind, the major factor to this game will be the Badgers offense and how well they can keep up with the Ducks.

Oregon is going to move the ball fast and score at every opportunity, so Wisconsin is going to have to do the same.

The Ducks beat teams by simply sprinting out ahead of them on the scoreboard and never looking back. Wisconsin won't have the luxury of having a bad series or two on offense.

It's going to be a tough matchup for the Wisconsin Badgers, but one thing is for sure:

They won't be able to stop and smell the roses.