Player Spotlight: DE Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

In passing situations the Connecticut offensive line better be aware of where Oklahoma’s top pass-rushing threat is coming from. Beal is one of the most athletic linemen in the nation with his elite speed. That top-end speed is why many predict a position change to outside linebacker is in store when he plays for pay. Whether standing up or with a hand on the ground, Beal will use his quick first step to get around the edge. Even if his first move doesn’t win the day, the Big 12 product keeps fighting until the whistle blows or he gets to the quarterback. Once he has the opposing signal caller in sight, not many collegians are blessed with Beal’s closing burst. His superb instincts ensure Beal will make an impact in Glendale.

Rose Bowl: TCU vs. Wisconsin

Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl (88,500)
01.01.11 5:00 pM EST

TV: ESPN PLAY-BY-PLAY: BRENT MUSBURGER; ANALYST: KIRK HERBSTREIT
RADIO: ESPN RADIO  PLAY-BY-PLAY: DAVID NORRIE; ANALYST: BILL ROSINSKI

The Granddaddy of Them All features two teams that pride themselves on the same two things: pounding the rock on offense and playing tough, hard-nosed defense. TCU ranks seventh in the nation in rushing yards per game with 260.5 per contest, while Wisconsin is 12th with 247.3 per game. The huge difference between these two teams is rushing defense where TCU is 3rd in the country, giving up a mere 89 yards per game and Wisconsin is 30th, yielding 131 per game. With both teams outside of the top 50 nationally in passing offense, it doesn’t take a Harvard grad to figure out that the teams will run the ball early

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Rose Bowl: TCU vs. Wisconsin

Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl (88,500)
01.01.11 5:00 pM EST

TV: ESPN PLAY-BY-PLAY: BRENT MUSBURGER; ANALYST: KIRK HERBSTREIT
RADIO: ESPN RADIO  PLAY-BY-PLAY: DAVID NORRIE; ANALYST: BILL ROSINSKI

The Granddaddy of Them All features two teams that pride themselves on the same two things: pounding the rock on offense and playing tough, hard-nosed defense. TCU ranks seventh in the nation in rushing yards per game with 260.5 per contest, while Wisconsin is 12th with 247.3 per game. The huge difference between these two teams is rushing defense where TCU is 3rd in the country, giving up a mere 89 yards per game and Wisconsin is 30th, yielding 131 per game. With both teams outside of the top 50 nationally in passing offense, it doesn’t take a Harvard grad to figure out that the teams will run the ball early

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Player Spotlight: QB Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin

At first glance, the undersized Tolzien doesn’t project the image of a starting college quarterback. But while he may not look the part, he sure plays it well. This season he was named second team All-Big Ten and won the 2010 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. If you had to describe Tolzien in one word it would be consistent. He displayed just that when he broke the Big Ten record for passing completion percentage (74.3 percent) this year. When asked about his team’s trip to Pasadena Tolzien smiled like a kid at Christmas, “It’s gonna be really special. You’ve heard stories since you’re a little kid about the Rose Bowl, and, ya know, it’s The Granddaddy of Them All. It’s gonna be an exciting ballgame!”

Player Spotlight: QB Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin

At first glance, the undersized Tolzien doesn’t project the image of a starting college quarterback. But while he may not look the part, he sure plays it well. This season he was named second team All-Big Ten and won the 2010 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. If you had to describe Tolzien in one word it would be consistent. He displayed just that when he broke the Big Ten record for passing completion percentage (74.3 percent) this year. When asked about his team’s trip to Pasadena Tolzien smiled like a kid at Christmas, “It’s gonna be really special. You’ve heard stories since you’re a little kid about the Rose Bowl, and, ya know, it’s The Granddaddy of Them All. It’s gonna be an exciting ballgame!”