The Wisconsin Badgers and Stanford Cardinal will square off in the 2013 Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio. Wisconsin had an interesting season. The Badgers were 4-4 in conference play this season but played in the Big Ten championship game because both Ohio State and Penn State were ineligible. Wisconsin smashed Nebraska 70-31 in the Big Ten title game to advance to the Rose Bowl. The Badgers lost 5 games this season, but they were all close. They lost to Oregon State by 3, Nebraska by 3, Michigan State by 3 in overtime, undefeated Ohio State by 7, and Penn State by 3.
Stanford started the season 4-2, but then won 6 straight games to close out the regular season. The Cardinal beat UCLA in the Pac-12 title game to advance to the Rose Bowl. Stanford’s two losses also came in close games. Stanford lost by 4 points to Washington and by 7 points in overtime to Notre Dame. The Cardinal head into the Rose Bowl after beating four straight ranked teams.
When Stanford is on Offense
Stanford ranks 70th in the nation in scoring at 28.5 points per game. Josh Nunes started the season at quarterback but struggled, only completing 52% of his passes for 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Freshman Kevin Hogan stepped in at quarterback and put up solid numbers including a 5-0 record as starter. Hogan completed 73% of his passes for 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Tight end Zach Ertz is the top receiver for the Cardinal with 66 catches and 837 yards. Running back Stepfan Taylor is clearly the focus of this offense with 302 carries and 1442 yards on the season.
The Badgers rank 19th in scoring defense allowing 19.1 points per game. Wisconsin had 31 sacks this season but only intercepted 8 passes. Wisconsin will need to be ready for a heavy dose of Stepfan Taylor in the Rose Bowl.
When Wisconsin is on Offense
Wisconsin ranks 52nd in scoring at 30.8 points per game. The Badgers have two outstanding running backs and they rank 12th in the nation with 237.8 yards rushing per game. Montee Ball is currently 3rd in the nation in carries (332), 5th in yards (1730), and 5th in touchdowns (21). When the Badgers need to give Ball a breather they have the luxury of bringing in James White. On the season White averaged 6.7 yards per carry and had 802 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Stanford ranks 13th in the nation in scoring defense allowing 17.5 points per game. The Cardinal rushing defense matches up well with Wisconsin’s run game. Stanford has the 3rd best run defense in the country giving up just 2.8 yards per carry and 87.7 yards per game. The Cardinal were also effective rushing the passer this season and led the country with 56 sacks.
2013 Rose Bowl Pick Against the Spread
Stanford is currently a 7-point favorite over Wisconsin in the 2013 Rose Bowl. This game is truly a battle of strength vs. strength with Wisconsin’s rushing attack against Stanford’s top rated defense. Stanford shut down Oregon’s prolific offense and held them to just 14 points, 36 points below their season average. Stanford’s offense played much better with Kevin Hogan under center to finish out the season. I expect Stanford to slow Montee Ball and James White, and I expect them to win and cover the 7-point spread.
Prediction: Stanford 24 – Wisconsin 13
Source
espn.go.com/college-football/bowls
