Bowl Preview: Rose Bowl presented by Citi

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Ohio State vs. Oregon
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Oregon -4

About Ohio State (10-2): The Buckeyes discovered a running game in the second half of the year. Good thing, because the passing game has been missing all year. QB Terrelle Pryor didn't take the giant leap forward people were expecting. Instead it's been very small steps. Jim Tressel remains his ever-boring, ever-conservative self.

Intangibles:
1997 Rose Bowl: +3
Rest of David Boston's career: -2
"Rivalry" uniforms: -5

About Oregon (10-2): The Ducks' offense has been on fire the second half of the season, lighting it up with their wacky spread and wackier uniform combinations. What's this week? Retro - a salute to October 2007? Anyway, Chip Kelly's done a nice job since LeGarrette Blount coldcocked a Boise player.

Intangibles:
Phil Knight: +$120 million
Phil Knight's soul: -3
Chip Kelly in visor: -4

Impact player: Oregon RB LaMichael James. OSU needs to slow this little shit down to have a shot.

Little known fact: The Rose Bowl used to be very important back when Nixon was President and wide collars were in.

Watchability (1-5): 4.9

The Pick: Ohio State 31, Oregon 27