In the granddaddy of them all, Oregon (11-2) will take on Wisconsin (10-3) in the Rose Bowl on New Years Day in Pasadena, California.

How They Got Here: Oregon

Oregon had high hopes this season that were quickly crushed after a heartbreaking last-second defeat against Auburn in week one.

Oregon won their next nine games, allowing seven or fewer points in six of those games. After climbing all the way back to sixth in the polls, they suffered a catastrophic upset at the hands of Arizona State.

After beating Oregon State in the season finale, they crushed Utah in the Pac-12 Championship. However, they finished outside the top four and ended up in the Rose Bowl.

How They Got Here: Wisconsin

After crushing Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin seemed for real. That is, until they ran into Illinois. After being upset by Illinois, they were crushed by Ohio State.

From there, Wisconsin beat Iowa, Nebraska and Purdue to set up a game against Minnesota with the West division on the line. Behind a big performance from QB Jack Coan, Wisconsin came up with a 38-17 victory to clinch a rematch with Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Wisconsin jumped out to a 21-7 halftime lead, but couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost 34-21.

Players To Watch:

Wisconsin: Jonathan Taylor

Arguably the best RB in the country, Taylor is the key to Wisconsin’s offense. It has always been the identity of a Wisconsin offense, a horrible QB with an unreal RB. If they can’t get him rolling, they should win.

Oregon: Justin Herbert

One of the best QBs in the country, Herbert has the chance to finish a wonderful career with the Ducks with a Rose Bowl victory. No doubt he is the key to a win.

Gambling: Wisconsin -3 O/U 51.5

I’m taking Oregon ML and the points. I think Oregon had a couple of bad breaks from being in the playoffs. Also, hammer the under.