Badgers lose another Rose Bowl

After a roller coaster season that included some of college football's most memorable finishes, Wisconsin's 2011 football campaign has come to a close after a heartbreaking 45-38 loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game. And just as it did with the first loss back in October, the Badgers' final contest ended with a replay, this time confirming the call that senior quarterback Russell Wilson's spiked pass did not hit the ground before the clock hit zero.

This Rose Bowl Game was one for the ages even before the frantic finish. The Badgers (6-2 Big Ten, 11-3 Overall) and Ducks (8-1 Pac-12, 12-2 Overall) traded scores throughout the first half, with Rose Bowl records set for highest scoring first quarter (28) and half (56). But after leading throughout the first half and having to kick to begin the second, the halftime draw at 28 felt like a certain deficit.

Even while it was turning into a shootout, this game looked like it would end, as it did, with the Badgers regretting two consecutive red zone possessions that ended with a combined three points.

Late in the 2nd quarter, Wisconsin drove to the Oregon 17 yard line facing 3rd and 1. After junior running back Montee Ball was stopped for no gain, Wisconsin shunned a field goal attempt in favor of a fourth down try, remembering a similar situation last season that ended with kicker Philip Welch missing a crucial field goal. Instead of trying to run up the gut again, UW tried to roll Wilson out on a play action fake but Oregon's defense was ready, sacking Wilson for a three-yard loss and a huge shift in momentum.

Let's hope they return to Rose Bowl next year and win.  GO BUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Badgers are ready for the Rose Bowl

Many times, football games are billed as potential shoot-outs and then fail to live up to the high-scoring hype.

That should not be a problem on Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Cal.

In Wisconsin and Oregon, the 98th edition of the Rose Bowl features two of the most prolific-and two of the most opposite-offenses in the country.

The No. 5 Ducks (8-1 Pac 12, 11-2 overall) employ a multitude of weapons predicated on speed, speed a breakneck pace and more speed.

"Their normal no huddle is very fast-paced, up tempo," UW head coach Bret Bielema said. "Then they have an extremely quick one where you can really see they've caught not only defenses but referees in difficult situations."

Bielema and defensive coordinator Chris Ash will likely have to decided whether to stay in the base 4-3 defense or play more nickel through the game. In the base, senior linebacker Kevin Claxton plays on the strong side, while freshman corner back Peniel Jean is the nickel corner. Bielema said the NCAA rules on substitutions should help Wisconsin.

"There is a rule in college football ... that if they sub you have an opportunity to sub as well," Bielema said. "You just have to make sure the officials are on the same page as you."

I know the Badgers are underdogs but let's hope they can beat the Ducks.  GO BUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Badgers face Oregon

Many times, football games are billed as potential shoot-outs and then fail to live up to the high-scoring hype.

That should not be a problem on Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Cal.

In Wisconsin and Oregon, the 98th edition of the Rose Bowl features two of the most prolific-and two of the most opposite-offenses in the country.

The No. 5 Ducks (8-1 Pac 12, 11-2 overall) employ a multitude of weapons predicated on speed, speed a breakneck pace and more speed.

"Their normal no huddle is very fast-paced, up tempo," UW head coach Bret Bielema said. "Then they have an extremely quick one where you can really see they've caught not only defenses but referees in difficult situations."

Bielema and defensive coordinator Chris Ash will likely have to decided whether to stay in the base 4-3 defense or play more nickel through the game. In the base, senior linebacker Kevin Claxton plays on the strong side, while freshman corner back Peniel Jean is the nickel corner. Bielema said the NCAA rules on substitutions should help Wisconsin.

"There is a rule in college football ... that if they sub you have an opportunity to sub as well," Bielema said. "You just have to make sure the officials are on the same page as you."

I hope Bucky can pull it off in Pasadena.  GO BUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!