Records fell left and right. The 2012 Rose Bowl set a new record for most points scored in a quarter, half and entire game. The Wisconsin Badgers saw their tailback Montee Ball tie the college football record for most TDs in a season.
The UW quarterback, Russell Wilson set a new season mark for passer rating. But it still wasn’t enough as the Oregon Ducks won their first Rose Bowl in 95 years, 45-38.
The offenses were as hot as the weather; as this was the sixth warmest Rose Bowl in the 98 year history of the game.
Oregon coach Chip Kelly talked about the shootout.
“I really didn’t about the high scoring thing just because, again, learning from the past. There was so much talk going into the National Championship a year ago, us versus Auburn, that it was going to be a high scoring affair, and it was 22-19,” Kelly said.
“What we learned from it, I think, is that it really just kind of validates what we stand for, is that this team is fearless. They’re resilient, and they’ve got faith. But that faith is based on preparation. It’s not a fake thing where we just talk about it.”
Both starting tailbacks may be declaring for the NFL draft pretty soon. Ball had 164 yards rushing on 32 carries and a TD. He supplemented that with 4 receptions for 51 yards.
Ball answered a question about whether he’ll return to school or declare for the NFL draft.
“I have a big decision to make. I’m going to make it within the next couple of days, and I’ll make sure to let you guys know and let my teammates know,” Ball said.
LaMichael James had 159 yards rushing and a TD. He hasn’t made it official, but he’s likely to declare for the draft. Also running for 100 yards was freshman De’Anthony Thomas; needing just 2 carries (both touchdowns). He finished with an INSANE 77.5 yards per carry on the day.
His 91-yard TD run was the longest in Rose Bowl history.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever had a kid average 77 yards a carry. I’ll see if next year we can get him an extra carry or two,” Kelly said of Thomas.
Look for the sophomore to share feature back duties with Kenjon Barner next season.
The offensive player of the game was Lavasier Tuinei who caught 8 for 158, 2 TDs. Defensive player of the game (and really they should have just had two offensive players of the game in this one was Kiko Alonso, with 5 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
It was a shame a game this fun to watch had to have a loser.
“As far as us moving forward, I’m kind of tired of tears of sadness. I wanted to come out here and experience tears of joy at some point,” Badgers Coach Bret Bielema said after the game.
“So we’ll rebound from this. I wouldn’t trade in anything, anyplace in the world for that locker room that I have right now and the way that they continue to persevere.”
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
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