Rose Bowl Presented By Vizio
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Oregon Ducks
Jan. 2, 5:00 pm ET
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.)
Website: http://www.rosebowlstadium.com
TV: ESPN
Line: Oregon -6.5
For those in attendance, the Rose Bowl is one of the few major sporting events that lives up to the hype. The game is held in the best setting in college football – ideal weather, gorgeous scenery and an iconic stadium. As commercialization has overtaken bowl season, the Granddaddy Of Them All continues to stand apart as one of the sport’s landmark traditions.
The past few years, the game itself has been pretty good, too. TCU’s win over Wisconsin in 2011 was arguably the best game of the bowl season. This year, the Badgers return to take on Oregon in what looks to be another marquee match-up.
Making This All Possible
Technically, flatscreen televisvion manufacturer Vizio “presents” the Rose Bowl, whatever that means. Anyway, as of 2010, Vizio, which was founded in 2002, sells more LCD HDTVs than any other brand in the United States.
You’ve probably seen a Vizio product above the bar at your neighborhood watering hole, or even mounted above your fireplace.
Get To Know: Oregon
The Ducks have made their reputation in recent years behind the flash of glistening new facilities, cutting-edge gear that never stays the same from week to week and a high-octane offense. Having won the Pac-10/Pac-12 three years running, there’s certainly plenty of steak to go with the sizzle.
You’d have a hard time finding a more dynamic offense in college football than the one masterminded by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly. Defensively, though, questions about UO’s ability to handle physical opponents remain.
Get To Know: Wisconsin
Wisconsin lacks the offensive gadgetry of Oregon, but the offense is just as effective. Adding quarterback Russell Wilson to complement the Badgers’ power running game has made Wisconsin’s O that much more lethal.
The Badgers are dealing with distraction of losing offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who will be taking over as head coach at Pittsburgh. Offensive line coach Bob Bostad will be joining Chryst’s staff as well.
There’s an urban legend that Wisconsin fans drank the city of Pasadena dry of beer during the Badgers’ 1999 trip to the Rose Bowl. Sounds like a bro-tastic tall tale, but consider yourselves warned.
If You’re Going
The latest rage in the boutique burger fad make its home in Los Angeles. Foodies are raving about Umami Burger, which has six locations in the L.A. area.
If You’re Watching At Home
Ever tried fried cheese curds? Me neither, but they’re supposed to be a Wisconsin delicacy. Cook up your own beer-battered bunch.
Prediction
Both of these teams enter this game with something to prove. Last year, the Badgers got upset by the plucky TCU Horned Frogs. Meanwhile, UO has lost its last two BCS and still needs to prove it can stand toe to toe with some of college football’s more physical powerhouses.
A game between two well-coached teams such as this often comes down to a distinct advantage on a micro level. Wisconsin’s defense struggles with quick teams that can get to the edge. Sounds like an opportunity of UO’s talented backfield of quarterback Darron Thomas and running backs LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas to do some damage.
Oregon 32, Wisconsin 30
