2010 Rose Bowl Game Prediction: Ohio State Vs. Oregon

Ohio State and Oregon are polar opposites in many ways but similar in others.

Ohio State is more of a conservative team and program while Oregon is an anything-goes, modern college program in just about every way including uniforms.

Both run the spread offense but Oregon's is more technical and high-scoring while Ohio State's is for show only. The Buckeyes still prefer to run the ball and control the clock while Oregon scores more points.

These contrasts will be on full display in the 2010 Rose Bowl as Ohio State faces Oregon. But which team will win this interesting matchup? Read on for the Rose Bowl pick.

Ohio State vs. Oregon Rose Bowl Game Score Prediction

This is a classic defense vs. offense matchup and it means a lot to both teams and programs.

Ohio State needs a big win over another high-quality program desperately while Oregon needs a big Rose Bowl win for its smallish trophy case on campus.

The Buckeyes should be able to slow Oregon's spread attack using time to prepare for it, and it helps that they just faced a similar albeit not as good Michigan offense recently. OSU has plenty of linebackers and defensive linemen to clog up the Oregon run game.

While OSU should be able to hold Oregon down a bit on offense, the Buckeyes' offense will be the key to the game. Terrelle Pryor could come out and have a Vince Young-type game or he could throw the ball to the Ducks' secondary and cost OSU a big win.

The prediction here is that OSU does just enough to win, however. The key will be for Jim Tressel to throw in new wrinkles on offense in order to keep Oregon off-balance because the Buckeyes' offense has been very predictable in recent weeks. Tressel knows he'll have to score to beat Oregon and that should result in a less predictable game plan.

The pick: Ohio State wins the Rose Bowl in 2010 by a score of 27-21.