Rose Bowl Game 2011 to Prove TCU's Worth

The Rose Bowl game 2011 isn't for the national championship. Yet the Rose Bowl game 2011 may well be the most important battle other than Oregon vs Auburn. The BCS has already seen mid-major teams triumph over established powers. Yet this time around, a mid major is competing in the Granddaddy Of Them All, in the ultimate defiance of tradition. Although TCU hoped for something more this season, their appearance in the Rose Bowl game against Wisconsin will show who they really are.

This season, two mid-majors posed the biggest threat yet to the BCS glass ceiling. TCU and Boise State had a real chance to reach the championship game, if Oregon or Auburn fell. However, that never happened, and the Broncos crumbled anyway against Nevada.

But TCU made it to the Rose Bowl game 2011 regardless, thanks in large part to Boise State's upset loss. Otherwise, they might have already finished their season, in a relatively obscure location. Instead, they are in Pasadena, with the chance to defeat a Big Ten champion.

TCU is not facing Ohio State, Michigan or Penn State, but rather Wisconsin. However, the Badgers became just as high powered on offense as the Horned Frogs, racking up over 70 points three separate times. They were tied with Ohio State and Michigan State for the Big Ten crown, but won out by having the highest BCS ranking.

There is no doubt that the Rose Bowl game 2011 features a different matchup than any in the event's history. Wisconsin hasn't been here in 10 years, and a mid-major has never gotten to Pasadena. But although Wisconsin isn't the Big Ten's most famous powerhouse, they are representing the establishment this afternoon.

The Horned Frogs hope to do what Boise State and Utah have done twice, and win a BCS showdown. This is their second straight attempt to do so, as they lost last year against Boise State in the Fiesta. Yet in this case, they aren't facing another mid-major, and are somewhere else out West.

Given the two powerful offenses, the Rose Bowl game 2011 is expected to be a shootout - even more so than Oregon vs Auburn in 10 days. For the Horned Frogs, they rely on quarterback Andy Dalton to light it up, while the Badgers have three running backs with 800 yards or more.

Whether the winner scores 10 points or 50, they will make a statement that goes beyond the Rose Bowl game. Either the mid-majors will take another step towards equality, or the traditional powers will have pushed them back a few steps.

TCU and Wisconsin will fight for their respective sides starting at 4:30 pm est, on ESPN.

Sources

USA TODAY- "Giants opportunity awaits Andy Dalton, TCU in Rose Bowl"

Los Angeles Times- "Rose Bowl matchup: How TCU and Wisconsin match up"