A look at the University of Wisconsin's Rose Bowl matchup against the Oregon Ducks by beat writers Tom Mulhern of the State Journal and Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian:
Oregon WRs, TEs vs. UW DBs
Oregon starters: Josh Huff, So., WR, 5-11, 207 (Houston); Lavasier Tuinei, Sr., WR, 6-5, 216 (Arcadia, Ind.); De’Anthony Thomas, Fr., WR, 5-9, 173 (Los Angeles); David Paulson, Sr., TE, 6-4, 241 (Auburn, Wash.).
Stats: Thomas, co-offensive freshman of the year in the Pac-12, leads the team in receptions (42), receiving yards (571) and receiving touchdowns (nine). Tuinei has 40 receptions for 441 yards and eight TDs. Paulson has caught 30 passes for 428 yards and six scores.
What to know about Oregon: The emergence of Thomas as a receiving threat and running back gave the Ducks the speedy playmaker at wide receiver they needed to round out the offense. The group has strong downfield blockers, helping the running backs break big gains.
UW starters: Antonio Fenelus, Sr., CB, 5-9, 190 (Boca Raton, Fla.); Marcus Cromartie, Jr., CB, 6-1, 180 (Mansfield, Texas); Aaron Henry, Sr., FS, 6-0, 210 (Immokalee, Fla.); Shelton Johnson, Jr., SS, 6-0, 190 (Carrollton, Texas).
Stats: UW’s pass defense ranks third nationally (155 yards per game) and its 15 interceptions are second-most in the Big Ten.
What to know about UW: The passing statistics are misleading, since the Badgers have not faced many top quarterbacks. The best QB, Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins, threw for 571 yards and six touchdowns in two games against the Badgers.
Mulhern says: Edge to Oregon. Fenelus is a solid cover man but a lack of overall speed in UW’s secondary is a major concern.
Fentress says: Oregon’s group isn’t great but UW’s secondary hasn’t faced many top passing teams. Edge to Oregon.
