Rose Bowl 2012: Projected Starters for the Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers are back in southern California with one thing on their minds: redemption. 

While the team is fortunate enough to play in the Rose Bowl, a loss will simply not suffice. A scrappy, fast TCU team caught Wisconsin by surprise last year, and the thousands of Wisconsin fans making the pilgrimage to Pasadena will hope history does not repeat itself. 

The latest version of the team's depth chart has few surprises, as the Wisconsin Badgers prepare for vindication. 

Quarterback

If anyone was even wondering whether Russell Wilson would start as the quarterback in the Rose Bowl, they should probably consult a doctor.

Or the 2011 game film. 

Wilson will lead Wisconsin as the signal-caller in his last collegiate game, and hopes he can finish where his predecessor Scott Tolzien fell short. 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Even though Jeff Duckworth's heroics are still being talked about, two familiar names will take their spots and slots as the starting pass catchers:

Wide Receiver Nick Toon

Wide Receiver Jared Abbrederis

Toon is hoping to cap off a spectacular college career, while the often under-appreciated Abbrederis will continue his winning ways. 

Meanwhile, the tight ends projected to play feature the position's two complementary skill sets in both blocking and receiving:

Tight End Jake Byrne

Tight End Jacob Pedersen

Running Back and Fullback

Wisconsin is known for bruising running backs and a skilled fullback—it's their style. This 2011 squad does not stray far from its basic DNA. 

The starting running backs feature a Heisman finalist and a patient star waiting in the wings:

Running Back Montee Ball

Running Back James White

Both players will see their lanes opened by:

Fullback Bradie Ewing

Offensive Line

If any element of the Wisconsin offense is a personnel question mark, it's the line.

Athletic, bruising and huge, the Badgers have anchored their success as the "big uglies" up front.

But an injury to All-American center Peter Konz forced a line shuffle that will seemingly stay intact until kickoff.  

The line will most likely consist of: 

Left Tackle Ricky Wagner

Left Guard Ryan Groy

Center Travis Frederick

Right Guard Kevin Zeitler 

Right Tackle Josh Oglesby

Defensive Line

With no major defensive disrupter, Wisconsin's line is in for a daunting challenge: slow down the Ducks.

A solid core of players will need to have the game of their collective lives on January 2nd, and the starters will need to set the tone and set the pace.

The defensive line projected starting lineup includes: 

Defensive End Louis Nzegwu

Defensive Tackle Patrick Butrym

Defensive Tackle Ethan Hemer

Defensive End Brendan Kelly/Pat Muldoon

Linebackers

If the Ducks have reason to fear any unit on the Wisconsin defense, it's the linebacking corps.

The starting Badger LBs exemplify the position's infamous characteristics: physical, fast and unforgiving. 

This year features two team stars who have the ability to not only meet the Oregon offense head-on, but on the edge as well. 

The Rose Bowl linebackers will feature: 

Strongside Linebacker Kevin Claxton

Middle Linebacker Chris Borland

Weak-side Linebacker Mike Taylor

Defensive Backs

The defensive backs have something to prove on this trip and in this game. Twice burned by game-ending plays, the safeties and cornerbacks will have to be extra-focused to make up for past sins.

This unit could be called patchwork because of the youth pressed into duty by early-season injuries, but it remains a turnover machine. 

The starting defensive backs against the deceptive Ducks are: 

Free Safety Aaron Henry

Strong Safety Shelton Johnson

Cornerback Antonio Fenelus

Cornerback Marcus Cromartie

Special Teams

Special teams has been criticized as a glaring imperfection throughout a nearly flawless season.

Kickoff and punting coverage need a complete overhaul, but the team's kicker and punter are anything but inconsistent.

Look for big yardage and strong hangtime from the Badgers who put the "foot" in football, and they are:

Kicker (kickoffs and field goals) Philip Welch 

Punter Brad Nortman