Patrick Malee: 
By now you’ve probably seen roughly 10,555 predictions for this much anticipated Rose Bowl matchup between Oregon and Wisconsin. The keys to the game have all been established: can the Ducks avoid the type of slow start that has plagued them in the past? Will Wisconsin or Oregon establish the game’s tempo early on? Can either defense force turnovers and stop the explosive offense on the other side of the field?
It’s tough to say. Every time I think Oregon will break through in the big time, something unanticipated happens. Be it a plethora of costly penalties and crippling turnovers, or just a case of sheep happenstance (Michael Dyer’s run late in the national championship game), bad luck has followed the Ducks over these past few years under the bright lights.
And yet, I think that changes today. Oregon will finally come to play in the first quarter, rather than the last, and LaMichael James will put a stamp on his fantastic career with an MVP performance. On defense, Oregon will come up with just enough game-changing plays to come out on top. In particular, I’m looking for a big game from Dion Jordan and the defensive line. Wisconsin’s behemoth offensive line is a concern, obviously, but this unit has proven to a be consistent force over the 2011 season, and I think they’ll put more pressure on Russell Wilson and Montee Ball than some might anticipate. Just one forced fumble or third down stop could make the difference.
Final Score: Oregon 35, Wisconsin 31
Most Outstanding Player (Offense): LaMichael James
Most Outstanding Player (Defense): Dion Jordan
Lucas Clark:
As I mentioned earlier in the week, this prediction was noticeably tougher than the previous 13 this season. Today marks the final game I will cover as a University of Oregon student. With that being the case, I simply couldn’t pick against the Ducks.
It’s a gorgeous day here in Pasadena, truly the best environment for college football. The month-long layoff is finally over, and most people expect the matchup between No. 5 Oregon and No. 10 Wisconsin to be one of, if not the best bowl game this season.
By now, you know what the game will entail: two potent offenses, underrated defenses and pair of widely respected coaches. The key is which team gets off to a strong start, and who can force — then take advantage of — the others’ mistakes. If the Ducks can avoid putting the ball on the turf and sustain a few scoring drives in the first quarter, I expect them to hang on with a strong showing in the second half.
Final Score: Oregon 27, Wisconsin 24
Most Outstanding Player (Offense): De’Anthony Thomas
Most Outstanding Player (Defense): John Boyett
David Lieberman:
I’m sure you’ve heard this a thousand times this week, but here it goes: Oregon’s offense struggles in big games with long layoffs. As a result, I’m hesitant to project the Ducks to put up 30+ points on a team that was ranked sixth in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 17.0 per game.
That being said, Nick Aliotti’s defense tends to overachieve against daunting opponents. In the past three seasons the team has done an admirable job of containing Kellen Moore, Cam Newton and Andrew Luck, among others. I envision LaMichael James and Darron Thomas having typically brilliant days, while De’Anthony Thomas pushes the Ducks over the top. Despite big performances from Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, I see the Ducks pulling this one out with a clutch, fourth-quarter drive. It’s taken three years, but it’s time for this team to grab a crowbar and finally get that monkey off Chip Kelly’s back for good.
Final Score: Oregon 27, Wisconsin 24
Most Outstanding Player (Offense): LaMichael James
Most Outstanding Player (Defense): Michael Clay