The #9 ranked Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) will face the #6 ranked Oregon Ducks (11-2) in the 98th Rose Bowl on January 2nd at 1:30 pm (PT). Expect a display of offense as both teams are ranked inside the top 5 in scoring. Both teams scored over 40 points in their respective championship games. Here is a breakdown of each team going into the Rose Bowl.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin punched their ticket to the Rose Bowl by coming from behind for revenge against Michigan State. Although the Badgers put up over 40 points on offense against a solid Michigan State defense, they showed a glaring weakness in their defense as they gave up 39 points and over 470 yards of offense. Heisman contender Montee Ball has put up over 1700 yards and an incredible 38 total touchdowns. Their offense will have no problem scoring on Oregon’s defense, the question lies in their defense.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon got their signature win of the season in early November when they beat then undefeated Stanford by 23 points. The Ducks have scored over 40 points in all but two games, and are 3rd in the Nation in scoring with an average of 46.2 points per game. These teams are very similar, with speed and talent in most if not all of the skill positions. Oregon has depth with LaMichael James, De’Anthony Thomas, and Kenjon Barner, who all have over 1,000 yards combined rushing and receiving and over 10 touchdowns. Oregon has been nearly impossible to stop all year.
What does Vegas Say?
Oregon is currently a 6 point favorite while the over/under line is 72. Both teams are expected to have a spectacular offensive output. Wisconsin has good defensive numbers against most of their Big 10 opponents, but their performances against solid offenses such as Michigan State, have been less than convincing of their defensive capabilities. Oregon can win a shootout against the best in the country, and is why they are the favorite in this contest.
Prediction: Oregon 42, Wisconsin 35 (Over 72, Oregon -6)
Oregon will win the battle of the offenses due to their depth and style of offense. Wisconsin will hang with Oregon for the entire game, but will come up just short. If you are in a Bowl pick’em league, do not put more than 10 confidence points on either team, this game could go either way.