Teams: Florida State vs. Wisconsin
Date: December, 27, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

Analysis

Although the fans of Wisconsin and Florida State can’t complain about a bowl in Florida, the players and coaches have to be relatively disappointed with how the season turned out. The Seminoles appeared to be in great position to win the ACC Atlantic but a late fumble against Georgia Tech and a lackluster performance against Boston College cost a shot at the title. The Badgers were a preseason top-15 pick in some polls but a four-game losing streak ended hopes of contending for a Big Ten title.

Florida State’s offense has shown signs of progress from last year, as the Seminoles led the ACC in scoring offense with 32.7 points per game. Christian Ponder has potential but was benched in the season-finale against Florida and must cut down on his interceptions (13). The sophomore does provide a boost in the rushing department with just over 400 yards this season. The Badgers rank 35th nationally in pass defense but that will be put to the test against the Florida State receiving corps. Speedy options Preston Parker and Taiwan Easterling, along with 6-foot-6 Greg Carr will be a handful for the Badgers, especially if they cannot get pressure on Ponder.

Finding consistency on the offensive line has been a question mark for the Seminoles over the last couple of seasons but there appears to be a few pieces falling into place, especially since running back Antone Smith found enough holes to tally 14 rushing touchdowns. The Badgers allowed just over 130 yards per game on the ground and their physical defensive front will test a Seminole offensive line that could start three freshmen.

Wisconsin’s offense certainly isn’t going to score many points in the style department but it will give Florida State trouble. P.J. Hill and John Clay combined to rush for 1,866 yards and 22 touchdowns this year and the Seminoles closed out the year by allowing over 300 rushing yards to Florida. Getting the ground attack going is key for this offense, especially since it sets up quarterback Dustin Sherer and play action passes downfield to David Gilreath or Garrett Graham. The Seminoles are allowing just over 21 points and ranked as the ACC’s top pass defense, so points could be difficult to come by for the Badgers.

Breakdown: Florida State

Campus Location: Tallahassee, Fla.
Distance to (Orlando): 260 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 20–14–2
2008 Season: 8–4, 5–3 ACC

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 32 (183)
Pass Offense: 87 (186)
Scoring Offense: 27 (33)
Rush Defense: 34 (127)
Pass Defense: 8 (165)
Scoring Defense: 32 (21)
Turnover Margin: 74 (–.25)

Additional Notes:
This is the first matchup between Florida State and Wisconsin…The Seminoles own the nation’s longest streak of bowl appearances with 27 straight and are 8-2-1 against current Big Ten teams…Defensive end Everette Brown was named runner-up in ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting…Brown, offensive lineman Rodney Hudson and kicker Graham Gano earned first team All-ACC honors.

Breakdown: Wisconsin

Campus Location: Madison, Wis.
Distance to (Orlando): 1,300 miles
All-Time Bowl Game Record: 10–9
2008 Season: 7–5, 3–5 Big Ten

NCAA Rankings (yards/points per game totals):
Rush Offense: 14 (212)
Pass Offense: 82 (193)
Scoring Offense: 42 (29)
Rush Defense: 43 (133)
Pass Defense: 35 (189)
Scoring Defense: 63 (25)
Turnover Margin: 85 (–.42)

Additional Notes:
The Badgers are making their fifth straight appearance in a Florida bowl game…The Badgers are 5-2 against teams currently in the ACC…Running back John Clay needs 155 yards to give the Badgers two 1,000-yard rushers…The Badgers closed out the season by winning four out of their last five games, with the loss coming to Michigan State by one point.

Prediction: Florida State by 7

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