LOS ANGELES — Only once before have consecutive losers of the Rose Bowl met up in The Granddaddy of Them All. That was in 1989, when Michigan (a loser in 1987) beat USC (a loser in 1988), 22-14. In 2011, Oregon and Wisconsin both return to Pasadena aiming to vindicate BCS defeats over the past two seasons.
Despite previous experience in the storied bowl game, the teams arrived in California earlier this week looking starkly different then their conference-champion predecessors.
Since falling to TCU in an entertaining heartbreaker last season, the Badgers have incorporated two offensive weapons of epic proportions into an already dangerous attack: Heisman finalist running back Montee Ball and ever-steady quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite joining Wisconsin for only a single season, Wilson has been adopted as a valued leader and vital contributor in Madison.
“Russell Wilson impressed me in the way that he just has consistency,” head coach Bret Bielema said. “The guy you see here today is the same guy I saw two months ago, three months ago. He’s very even-keeled in his approach, in his demeanor, and I think that’s why Saturdays are very easy for him, because nothing surprises him. He’s the same guy every day.”
Wilson has led the team to a second straight Big Ten crown and coveted birth in the Rose Bowl. Despite the successes, however, Bielema says he was most impressed with the way Wilson performed in consecutive losses the team suffered midway through its Big Ten slate.
“I think Russell Wilson is best when people around him are at their worst,” Bielema said. “He really does make great players play well in difficult situations. His two best quarters of football might have been the fourth quarter(s) against Michigan State and Ohio State. He was absolutely phenomenal, and we just weren’t able to come through.”
Wilson, for one, seems reluctant to see his time in Madison come to an end. During his time with the Badgers, Wilson has morphed from a talented — if undervalued — starter into one of the premier signal callers in the nation.
“It’s been a great six months … It’s been unbelievable” Wilson said. “Every day I’ve cherished at the University of Wisconsin; it’s just been so great to be a part of Coach Bielema’s program and the University of Wisconsin.
“It’s special and I’ve developed such great relationships with all of the guys on this team and that’s really been a blessing in my life.”
Oregon, on the other hand, has also made a series of adaptations since its last trip to tinsel town. The team has a different signal caller (Darron Thomas), a more seasoned LaMichael James and a young, opportunistic defense that contrasts greatly with the gritty veteran unit it trotted out in 2009.
Mark Asper, a senior offensive lineman who started for the Ducks in 2009, said the team’s approach has significantly altered as both the players and third-year coach Chip Kelly have gotten more experience in big games under their belt.
“The preparation didn’t start once we qualified to go to the game,” Asper said. “I’d say the preparation for this started since February, and that is the biggest difference. This group has been dialed into this idea and this vision and preparing for this thing since the end of the BCS game last year.
“I think the first time we came down here there was an idea that we needed to change things or ramp things up because we were going to the Rose Bowl. But last year and this year there hasn’t been any extra emphasis or anything changed out of the ordinary.”
Wisconsin also said they’re treating this year’s journey to Pasadena more like routine. The players enjoyed a visit to Disneyland and attended a Lakers-Knicks game, but emphasized that their focus remains on taking the field Jan. 2.
“For the simple fact that, when we got out here last year, I know for me I was so like in awe,” said senior safety Aaron Henry, an All-Big Ten first team performer this season. “First time being in L.A., being among the stars and just kind of flabbergasted about my surroundings … We were living in Beverly Hills, you know. Often times you see Beverly Hills on television, and you think the world of that place, but I think now it’s like okay, been here, done that. It’s kind of like a business vibe.”
Similar to the Ducks, the Badgers remain adamant that anything less than a win would send players, fans and coaches home with a profound sense of disappointment after coming up short in 2010.
“I think last year was such a new experience for us that it was almost content with just being here with a lot of guys,” said defensive tackle Patrick Bytrum. “Now this year after experiencing a loss, there is so much more urgency in our approach coming into this year. No doubt the goal is to win.”