What will decide the 2011 Rose Bowl Game? It will probably come down to whether Wisconsin or TCU can impose its will.
The Badgers enter the game with the nation's fourth-ranked scoring offense, but have averaged an absurd 67 points over their last three contests. (Against Michigan, Northwestern, and Indiana, sure, but that's 201 points in three games.) They'll have a tough test before them in the form of TCU's defense.
The Horned Frogs lead the nation in scoring defense, pass defense, and total defense, and are third in rush defense. Much of that statistical success has come against middling Mountain West squads, but TCU allowed just 31 points against its two BCS conference opponents this year, Oregon State and Baylor.
Wisconsin's running game will try to wear down the TCU defense; the TCU defense, which also leads the nation in third down conversion percentage, will try to get the ball back to its offense — which comes in tied with Wisconsin's in scoring. Whichever unit wins that battle should win the Rose Bowl.
Sometimes, in games of strength on strength, it's that easy.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream right up through game time, as we review key unit matchups, odds, bowl history and more, and connect with Wisconsin fans at SB Nation's Bucky's 5th Quarter and TCU fans at SB Nation's Mountain West Connection. For a complete list of bowl games, browse our 2010 college football postseason schedule.