Auburn v. Wisconsin – Outback Bowl, Jan. 1, 12pm
This is a nice matchup between heavyweights. What adds to this matchup is the fact that Gary Andersen surprisingly bolted Madison for Corvallis to become the new head coach at Oregon State. Barry Alvarez, former superstar coach-turned-athletic director, will coach the Badgers. Auburn and Wisconsin have killer offenses with superstars on each side. Wisconsin boasts Melvin Gordon, Heisman finalist, in the backfield. He runs like a gazelle and can be penciled in for 120 yards per game (though Ohio State shut him down). On the other side stands wide receiver Sammie Coates, who almost single-handedly pushed Alabama out of the playoff with 206 yards and two touchdowns. While Melvin Gordon will get his yards – this Auburn defense is average at best – Wisconsin has had quarterback issues all year. That is the major disparity in this game. Nick Marshall is a seasoned quarterback who has faced the best competition in the country. The Badgers will trot out Joel Stave or Tanner McEvoy and sometimes both. They will have to play well to keep up with Auburn. But Wisconsin is a 10-win team with a big, ferocious defense. They will not go away quietly. Gordon has the ability to lift this team to victory. He has done it so many times this season. It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin plays with their coach recently departed.
PREDICTION: Auburn 48, Wisconsin 45
