Rose Bowl 2013: Wisconsin and Stanford share very similar offensive approaches

When Wisconsin and Stanford step on the field for Tuesday afternoon's Rose Bowl, they will try to beat each other with very similar offensive approaches. Each team prefers a power running game, with both clubs averaging over 170 yards a game rushing this year.

Stanford linebacker Chase Thomas summed up the match-up best on Sunday, by telling the San Jose Mercury News:

"The closest to them is facing our offense. That power running game is definitely something we're used to seeing from our offense."

Thomas is correct.

When he and the Cardinal defense line up against Wisconsin Tuesday, they'll see one of college football's Top-15 run offenses. On the season, the Badgers averaged 237 yards per game, which ranked them No. 12 in college football. Stanford averaged 173 yards on the ground per game.

Furthermore, the comparisons continue when looking at the two team's best running backs.

Wisconsin's Montee Ball and Stanford's Stepfan Taylor both ranked in the Top 10 nationally with over 300 carries each and they also both ranked in the Top 20 nationally in total rushing yardage. Ball finished the season with 1,730 yards on the ground, while Taylor totaled 1,442 yards.

The pair of running backs will match-up at the Rose Bowl Tuesday afternoon in Pasadena, Calif.

Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. PT.