Capital One Bowl Preview: Wisconsin vs. Auburn

By Krupka  |   Sunday, January 01, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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On Monday January, 2nd the # 20 ranked Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) take on the # 7 ranked Auburn Tigers (9-2) in a Big 10 vs. SEC battle in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and the game can be seen on ABC. The game will be Badgers head coach Barry Alvarez's final game as he is retiring. It marks yet another game showcasing two outstanding offenses; however, Wisconsin's defense leaves something to be desired.

Offensively Wisconsin is lead by their tremendous junior running back Brian Calhoun. He leads the nation with 21 rushing touchdowns. This season he has carried the ball 318 times for 1423 yards and the 21 touchdowns. He also has caught 52 passes for 563 yards and two touchdowns. Twice this season Calhoun had 5 rushing touchdowns in a game. The Badgers will look to him to carry the bulk of the offense to keep their porous defense off the field.

The Auburn Tigers also pose a threat with their running attack. Running back Kenny Irons became very productive and an important part of the offense in the second half of the season. He has carried 234 times for 1205 yards adding up to a terrific 5.1 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns on the year.

On paper, offensively it looks like the game should be a shootout. Wisconsin is averaging 402 yards per game and 35 points per game, while Auburn is averaging 437 yards per game and 34 points per game. With Wisconsin having a not so good defense Auburn should easily be able to continue their offensive success. For Wisconsin it will not be so easy against a tough hardnosed defense that Auburn possesses.

The saying is that defense wins championships. Although this isn't a championship game the distinct difference and advantage defensively that Auburn holds over Wisconsin should provide them a victory spoiling Alvarez's final game.

The Line: Auburn favored by 10.5

Bold Prediction: Auburn 24 Wisconsin 17
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