Rose Bowl 2012: Key Matchups for Oregon Ducks vs. Wisconsin Badgers

The college football regular season may have come to an end, but now is when the good stuff begins. The college football bowl schedule was just released, and there are a ton of great matchups. There should be several great games with a bunch of intriguing storylines.

The 2012 BCS Rose Bowl is one of those great matchups, and if you like scoring, this is the game for you. It will feature the Pac-12 champion Oregon Ducks and the Big Ten champion Wisconsin Badgers. Both teams are fantastic offensively and should keep viewers and fans very happy with a bunch of points scored.

The game may take place nearly a month from now, but that leaves us plenty of time to preview the game from all angles.

Here are the key matchups that will determine the outcome of the game.

Oregon Defensive Line vs. Wisconsin Offensive Line

How much pressure will the Ducks be able to generate on Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson? He's been sacked 20 times this season, which is just over one a game.

Oregon is fantastic at getting at the quarterback, as they have 43 sacks on the season. That's the best in the Pac-12 and the third most in the country. They average over three sacks a game and have 15 players on the roster with at least one.

The Badgers have allowed 23 sacks on the year, which is about average and fifth best in the Big Ten.

Oregon is going to dial up the pressure in this one, and how much they rattle Russell Wilson will have a huge impact on the game.

Wisconsin RB Montee Ball vs. Oregon Front 7

In case you haven't heard, junior running back Montee Ball has been tearing it up this season. He has over 1,700 yards and 38 touchdowns. He averages 6.4 yards per touch and in the last five games, he has 904 rushing yards.

Oregon has to focus on No.28 and do whatever they can to try and take him out of the game. Of course, you're not going to shut him down, but they need to try and slow him down—something defenses haven't been able to do lately.

The Ducks are ranked fifth in the Pac-12, allowing 137 yards a game on the ground. They've also allowed 12 rushing touchdowns.

Oregon needs to slow Ball down, or it could be a long day for this defense.

Oregon RB LaMichael James vs. Wisconsin Front 7

Much like Wisconsin, Oregon has a beast at the running back position as well. His name is LaMichael James, and he has over 1,600 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns. Last week against UCLA, he rushed for 219 yards and had three touchdowns.

Wisconsin is similar to Oregon as far as stopping the run goes, as they give up 137 yards on the ground also. It's good for 60th in the country and the fourth best in the Big Ten.

The Badgers have to find a way to slow James down to force quarterback Darron Thomas to make more plays. If Wisconsin can't stop the run, it will be a long day for them.

De'Anthony Thomas vs. Entire Wisconsin Defense

We all know about LaMichael James and how explosive he is, but it's De'Anthony Thomas that is always the X-factor. The guy can simply go the distance every time he touches the ball and has world-class speed.

He is a running back but also lines up at wide receiver as well, and he has 14 combined touchdowns. Wisconsin must know where he is at all times on the field or they will be in trouble.

The important thing also is to limit the yards after the catch. Way too many times Thomas makes defenders miss and ends up turning a short completion into a huge touchdown. 

If the Badgers can limit the big plays, their chances of winning will increase.

Ducks' Discipline vs. Badgers' Discipline

Whoever had more penalty yardage during the last three rose bowls ending up losing the game.

In an offensive game that is expected to be close, penalty yards are something both teams would like to avoid. Wisconsin averages 40 yards in penalties a game, which is fourth best in the Big Ten and 20th best in the country.

Oregon isn't as disciplined, as they average 65 yards in penalties, which is eighth worst in the Pac-12 and only eight teams are worse in the country. 

This game could come down to whichever team has the ball last, and a drive slowed down by penalties could be the difference between a win and a loss. 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]