The road to the Rose Bowl is never an easy one traveled and on Jan. 2, in Pasadena, the PAC 12 champion Oregon Ducks will play the Big Ten champion Wisconsin Badgers.   The whole country probably knows about Oregon’s high-powered offense but it is the Duck’s defense that will be tested by Wisconsin’s running game.  Both teams have great offenses but there is an old football cliché, “defense wins championships,” that might determine the outcome of this game.

As much as I want to see Oregon win a big bowl game, they will have a tough time with the Badgers.  The Ducks rushing defense is ranked 46^th in the nation, allowing 137.5 yards per game and unfortunately they will be going up against the countries leading rusher in Wisconsin Junior RB Montee Ball (Ball rushed for 1,759 yards and 32 touchdowns).  But Ball, a Heisman Trophy finalist, isn’t the only threat in Wisconsin’s backfield, quarterback Russell Wilson is elusive enough to make a big play with his arm or his legs.  Wilson, who has a 31/3 touchdown to interception ratio, has a passer rating of 191.6 and a 72.5 completion percentage.  The Badger defense is also ranked sixth in the nation only giving up an average of 17 points per game.

From those numbers alone, it doesn’t really look like Oregon will have a chance to win this game.  But let’s not forget about that high flying Duck offense.  Oregon scores an average of 46.2 points per game and rushes for over 295 yards per game.  The offense ranks third and fifth overall respectively.  Despite scoring over 46 points per game, the Ducks are averaging only 18 points in their last two BCS bowl games (losing 26-17 to Ohio State and 22-19 to Auburn).  LaMichael James, who hasn’t had the type of year that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist as he was a year ago, still can put up big numbers in a big game.  He is actually averaging over seven yards per carry, which is more than last year, and has 17 touchdowns.  Darron Thomas, Oregon’s Junior starting quarterback, has also put up big numbers with 30 touchdown passes.  Oregon needs to play as well as they did when they ran all over Stanford in their biggest and most convincing road win of the year.  But, for Oregon to win this game they really need to beef up their defense and prepare for an offense that is almost better then their own.

Both defenses will tested.  Here are some key matchups and questions to look out for on Jan. 2.  Can the Oregon defensive line use their speed to get around the oversized Wisconsin offensive line to get pressure on Russell Wilson?  Can the Duck defense stop the run? And, finally can the Oregon offense put up more than 18 points in a big bowl game?  All these questions will be answered and this game will be one of the better BCS bowl games this year so make sure to watch the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2.

Jason Delodovici is the co-founder of wrapupp sports blog.  He enjoys all sports but West Coast sports specifically.  His fanhood lies with the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers but appreciates great players and great games.

Tags: 2012, oregon ducks, Rose Bowl, Wisconsin Badgers