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The Wisconsin Badgers are underdogs in the 2013 Rose Bowl, but if they pull off an upset of the Stanford Cardinal there's a better-than-good chance much of the credit and the MVP trophy will go to running back Montee Ball.
Ball isn't likely to have an easy game against the No. 3 rush defense of Stanford, but his 2012 season has demonstrated that he's up to the challenge. Ball had 1730 yards this year and was tied for fifth in the nation with 21 touchdowns. Ball was particularly good away from home, averaging over six yards per carry in road or neutral site games, with an average of just under 4.5 yards per carry at home.
Ball, a senior, enters the game holding the FBS records for rushing touchdowns (76) and total touchdowns (82). 2012 was his second consecutive season with more than 1700 yards and 20 or more touchdowns.
The 2013 Rose Bowl Game takes place on Tuesday, January 1 in Pasadena. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PST, with television coverage provided by ESPN.