Rose Bowl

Wisconsin vs. TCU: Rose Bowl

The Wisconsin Badgers and Texas Christian Horned Frogs will play in the 97th Granddaddy of Them All, the 2011 Rose Bowl, in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2011 at 5 p.m. ET.

No. 3 TCU comes in as the only undefeated team in the nation not allowed to play in the BCS Championship game, being the odd man out -- due to being from a non-automatic qualifying conference, the Mountain West. The Horned Frogs (12-0) boast the nation's top statistical defense, allowing only 11.4 points and 215.4 yards per game.

They'll have quite the test, as Wisconsin brings in a high-octane offense that topped the 70-point barrier three times this season. Behind a special line that is anchored by All American and Outland Trophy winner Gabe Carimi (left tackle, pictured right), the Badgers piled up rushing yards with ease all season. Running backs James White, John Clay and Montee Ball all have at least 864 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. They collectively average almost six yards per carry. When forced to pass, Scott Tolzien has been incredibly efficient, completing 74.3 percent of his passes en route to a 169.8 rating (fourth in the nation).

On the other side of the ball, TCU quarterback Andy Dalton is no slouch, checking in with a 167.0 rating himself (good for fifth). Ed Wesley provides ground support, having gained 1,065 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground this year. Senior wide receiver Jeremy Kerley is a big weapon as well, with 12 total touchdowns

Perhaps the biggest storyline of the game is the Non-AQ one. Fans of schools not from automatic qualifying conferences will be pulling for TCU to prove a point, while those opposed will sit back and wait for the so-called big boy to show little guys who is boss.

"I think we've done a lot, not just what TCU's done, but non-automatic qualifying schools," Dalton told the Associated Press. "We still have one more game, and we'll go out and prove how we play and hopefully people will see that."

Source : fanhouse.com

Rose Bowl security scare is all clear

PASADENA (AP) -- Pasadena police say they have located the owner of a vehicle found unattended during a pre-game security sweep.

Police locked down the premises as a precaution around 7:30 p.m. CST Friday. Bomb squad officials were called in to investigate.

Authorities blocked all parking lot entrances, preventing vehicles from coming in or going out.

Police located the owner of the unattended vehicle and the lock down ended.