The Rose Bowl (5 p.m., ESPN) is a contrast of styles. It's the power game of Wisconsin against the speed of Oregon. We've seen in the past that the advantage typically goes to the Ducks in this situation. But they haven't played a running back like Montee Ball.
The junior has had an incredible year with an eye-popping 32 rushing touchdowns to go along with 1,759 yards on the ground. That goes along with 20 receptions for 255 yards and six more scores. He's not the typically slow Wisconsin running back. Ball has good quickness to get outside but is strong enough to play between the tackles.
Ball plays behind unquestionably the best offensive line all of college football. Junior center Peter Konz is expected to play after missing some time due to injury. He's the best center prospect in the nation because of his toughness and strength. Next to him, guard Kevin Zeitler possesses many of the same traits and should go in the first 100 picks of the draft. Right tackle Josh Oglesby came along as the season progressed and should get drafted as well.
Wisconsin vs. Oregon; Rose Bowl NFL Draft watch notes
Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon projects as a good No. 2 in the NFL. He has size and good leaping ability to make tough grabs. He's not dynamic enough, however, to be a first-round player.
For Oregon, running back LaMichael James gets most of the attention. It's hard to see James being more than a third-down back in the NFL who can play on special teams. He doesn't have a great burst, but his long speed is good.
Tight end David Paulson is good athlete who is hurt by the wide-open offense Oregon runs. When he's given a chance, Paulson has shown good hands and the ability to line up in several different spots.
Ducks linebacker Josh Kaddu will be a star this offseason. He has nice size and good athleticism. His production has never matched his frame, however.
The Wisconsin front seven on defense will get to stay home and run defend because of the play of a secondary paced by safety Aaron Henry and cornerback Antonio Fenelus.
2013 NFL Draft watch: Wisconsin has yet another offensive lineman to watch in left tackle Ricky Wagner. If he stays for his senior year, he could become at worst a second-round pick.
Oregon tight end turned defensive end Dion Jordan is still raw but you can see his potential. He has a big frame and played well at times.
