Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor and Wisconsin’s Montee Ball have combined for 9,252 career rushing yards, the largest total for two starting running backs the history of the Rose Bowl. The previous record, set by Ball and James last year, was a measly 8,069 yards, and this will be just the fourth Rose Bowl in the last 40 years to feature two tailbacks who have combined for at least 7,000 over their careers.
Stanford football has earned a bevy of individual recognitions since its clinched the Pac-12 Championship on Nov. 30, with senior tight end Zach Ertz becoming just the seventh unanimous All-American in Stanford history and the first tight end in college football to earn that honor since 2004.
The Pac-12 is quickly becoming known as the conference of offenses. From Stanford’s methodically efficient march to Oregon’s dangerously explosive attack—both averaged over 40 points per game last season—it’s hardly deniable that the conference has emerged as an offensive juggernaut. But that doesn’t mean the Pac-12’s abilities on the other side of the ball should be sold short. While the SEC may still reign as the king of impenetrable defenses, the West Coast has produced its own share of stellar defensive units.