Date/Time: January 2, 2012 5:30 PM
(EST)
Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) vs. Oregon
Ducks (11-2) Favorite: Ducks by Six
All-Time Series: Wisconsin 3-1
Last: 2001 (Oregon, 31-28 @ Wisconsin)
Boomer’s Four Keys on smelling the “Roses”:
1) Russell
Wilson vs. Oregon’s Secondary
Russell Wilson connected on 73% of
his passes with 31 TD’s to only 3 INT’s on the year. If only it were not for
the two late minute loses, Wilson could have found himself in NYC for the
Heisman Ceremony. Oregon’s secondary was able to collect 6 INT’s, but have
allowed opponents to pass for 243 yards/per game (82nd nationally). At
times, Oregon’s defensive secondary has been suspect, case in point Matt
Barkley 323 yards with 4 TD’s. In the end, I believe Russell Wilson will be
able to find some holes in Oregon’s secondary throughout the game. Advantage: Wisconsin
2) Oregon’s
Spread Attack vs. Wisconsin’s Defense
There is not another offensive
attack more exciting to watch then the Ducks. Any given play could go for a
touchdown. The Ducks were 3rd in the nation in scoring (46 ppg); the Ducks use
an up-tempo offense that really puts defenses under pressure. Wisconsin was 6th
in the nation in scoring defense (17 ppg). Wisconsin has to avoid giving up the
big play to the Duck’s offense. Ha, Good Luck. Advantage: Oregon
3) Monte
Ball vs. Oregon’s Front Seven
Mr. Touchdown will have the
challenge of going up against a defensive unit that has improved throughout the
season. Monte had one of the all-time greatest individual seasons which
included a trip to NYC for the Heisman Ceremony (1,816 total yards of offense, 39
total TD’s with one being a passing TD). Monte will definitely be the focal
point of the Duck’s defense, a unit that gave up 137 rushing yards per game, 46th
in the nation. Wisconsin’s offense will rely heavily on Monte rushing the ball,
as well as, catching the ball out of the backfield. Advantage: Wisconsin
4) Bret
Bielema vs. Chip Kelly
This match-up will be the 2nd
trip to Pasadena for each head coach. Coach Bielema coached in last years Rose
Bowl, losing to TCU 21 to 19. Coach Kelly’s first appearance came in his first
year at the helm with the Duck’s in the 2010 Rose Bowl, losing to Ohio State,
26-17. Coach Kelly will be going for his first bowl win, coming up short last
season in the National Championship Game against the Cam Newton-led Auburn
Tigers, 22 to 19. Coach Bielema has a career record of (3-2) in bowl games.
Coach Kelly will want to play a fast pace game, while Coach Bielema will look
to run the clock and keep the ball out of the Duck’s hands. Which coach will
get to lift the Rose Bowl trophy for the first time?
Advantage: Toss-Up
Prediction: Oregon
35, Wisconsin 31. QUACK QUACK QUACK
