Since the dramatic championship game between Texas and USC in 2006, the Rose Bowl has seen less than stellar competition. The last three winners have won by an average of 20 points. The 2010 Rose Bowl hopes to change things with an intriguing game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks.
The Buckeyes (10-2) are riding a five game win streak and their fifth consecutive Big Ten championship by the strength of their defense while the Ducks (10-2) under first year head coach Chip Kelly have shown offensive firepower.
The last bowl win for Ohio State was in 2006 when they knocked off Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. If they want to come away with a win, their defense will play a major part.
The Buckeyes defensive unit ended up the regular season ranked fifth in total defense, points allowed, and rushing yards allowed.
The one thing that can trip up their shot at a Rose Bowl victory will be their quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Pryor started the season off strong but has regressed as a passer.
Pryor will need to limit his mistakes and make sure not to turn it over in their territory. Otherwise it will be another long day for Buckeye fans.
The Ducks improbable run to the Rose Bowl has capped an unbelievable year for the Pac-10 champions. After they started the season off with a 19-8 loss to Boise State, the Ducks rattled off nine games where they scored 35 plus points.
The key to their success has been their dominant running game that is ranked sixth in the nation, with 236 yards per game on the ground.
The triple threat of running backs LaMichael James, LeGarrette Blount, and quarterback Jeremiah Masoli will be the perfect test for a Buckeye’s defense that allowed only 83.4 yards per game on the ground.
If the Buckeyes defense is unable to slow down the Ducks offense, this game has the chance to be another blowout and more discussion about the quality of talent in the Big Ten.
By the time the 96th Rose Bowl is in the books, the Buckeyes will prove the Big Ten doubters wrong and come away with a big victory in a hard fought game.
You can find additional in-depth coverage of the 2010 Rose Bowl at Gunaxin Blog Bowl.
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