2012 Rose Bowl Matchup

Written by rocketman | January 2, 2012

2012 Rose Bowl Matchup

This year’s Rose Bowl will feature two very similar programs in
recent history. One played in this game a season ago (Wisconsin) while
the other played for a national title. Oregon made this bowl two seasons
ago but has dominated its conference the past three years.

The Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio will feature Big Ten champion
Wisconsin taking on Pac-12 champ Oregon in Pasadena. This will be the
fifth all-time game between the schools, with the Badgers owning a 3-1
series lead. However, the Ducks won the last meeting in Eugene, 31-28,
back in 2001.

Our latest Rose Bowl odds show Oregon -6 and the over/under at 72 points.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin earned their second straight Rose Bowl appearance by
winning the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game with a 42-39 verdict
over Michigan State. The Badgers come into this game riding a five-game
win streak, which followed two straight defeats, which came after a 6-0
start. The Badgers were 4-2 away from home this year, winning the past
three such games.

Wisconsin is one of the few schools to be rated in the top-10 in the country in both scoring offense and defense.

The Badgers rank fourth nationally in points scored (45 points per
game) while totaling 467 yards per game (237 via the rush, 230 via the
pass). Montee Ball leads the offense by anchoring the running game with
1,759 yards and 32 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per tote, while James White
adds 683 yards and six scores on 5.1 yards per tote.

Russell Wilson has completed 72 % of his throws for 2,879 yards and
31 touchdowns with three picks. The offensive line has allowed 23 sacks.
The main pass-catching targets are Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis, who
have combined for 106 grabs for 1,636 yards and 16 scores.

The Badger defense rates a strong sixth nationally in points allowed
(17 ppg) and allows 293 yards per game (155 via the pass, 138 rushing)
while recording 23 sacks and enticing 24 turnovers one taken back for a
touchdown (Derek Landisch, fumble).

Mike Taylor anchors the unit with 137 tackles, while Chris Borland
has a team-high four forced fumbles with 131 total tackles. Louis Nzegwu
has 4.5 sacks, while Shelton Johnson and Antonio Fenelus each have four
interceptions.

Oregon

The Ducks suffered a season-opening defeat to LSU, then won nine
straight before a home loss to USC, then finished with 98 points scored
in victories over Oregon State and UCLA to take a third straight
conference championship. The Ducks were 4-1 away from home this season,
winning the last four such contests.

The Ducks rate third nationally in points (46 ppg) while compiling
515 yards per game (296 on the ground, 219 through the air). LaMichael
James leads this ground game with 1,646 yards and 17 scores on 7.4 yards
per carry, while Kenjon Barner has 909 yards and 11 scores on 6.3 yards
per attempt.

Darron Thomas connects on 61 percent of his passes for 2,493 yards
and 30 scores with six picks. The offensive line has allowed 12 sacks.
De’Anthony Thomas is the main receiving target with 42 receptions for
571 yards and nine touchdowns, while Lavasier Tuinei has 40 receptions
for 441 yards and eight touchdowns.

On defense, the Ducks rank 48th in the nation in points against (24
ppg) and give up 381 yards per game (244 through the air, 137 via the
rush) while compiling 43 sacks and generating 27 turnovers three of
which were returned for TDs (Boseko Lokombo and Michael Clay, three
picks).

John Boyett anchors the defensive unit with 91 tackles and two
blocked kicks, while Clay has 89 tackles and a team-best two forced
fumbles. Dion Jordan has 7.5 sacks, Eddie Pleasant has three
interceptions and Brandon Hanna has three fumble recoveries.

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