Wisconsin’s Bret Bielema probably enjoyed that great Big Ten Championship game for about 24 hours.
The reality probably hit that his big and bullying Badgers would have to face Oregon’s flashy and athletic Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2.
But that makes for a great matchup, especially if you like scoring. The Rose Bowl features two of the nation’s top rushing offenses.
Oregon is fifth at 295.7 yards per game, and has the game’s best running back in LaMichael James. The Badgers prefer the rushing style of Montee Ball, the nation’s fourth leading rusher. Ball benefits from a humongous offensive line that wears down defenses.
The Ducks enter the Rose Bowl trying to erase the reputation of not being able to win a big bowl game. Oregon is 1-2 in BCS bowls with the last win coming in the 2002 Rose Bowl. Oregon has developed a reputation as not being able to beat a top-level opponent following a long layoff.
The Badgers don’t get many opportunities to play a team like Oregon. Heck, most FBS programs don’t see teams with the Ducks’ speed and athleticism at all. So Wisconsin will have to do its best to replicate what Oregon does on offense during bowl preparations.
Wisconsin’s style is similar to Stanford’s, which Oregon soundly defeated this season. Still, if the Badgers can stick to their offensive game plan they might be able to wear down the Ducks. It’s also a return trip to the Rose Bowl for Wisconsin, which got away from running the ball in a loss to TCU last year.
Quarterback Russell Wilson is a huge X-factor for Wisconsin. It’s not like Oregon isn’t used to facing talented quarterback (e.g., Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley). But Wilson is one cool customer. Whether things are going good or bad, Wilson has the same collected approach to the situation.
Wilson has thrown for 2,879 yards and 36 touchdowns with just three interceptions. That’s a special talent.
If the Wilson-Ball tandem gets rolling, the Rose Bowl has the potential to be the best BCS game.
The Ducks have struggled with power teams since Chip Kelly took over, but something tells me it’s going to be a different story this bowl season for Oregon.
Not that I put much credence in comparing common opponents, these two have each defeated Oregon State this year. Wisconsin cruised to a 35-0 victory, while Oregon beat its rival 49-21.
Prediction: Oregon 48, Wisconsin 31
