LOS ANGELES – Since their resounding victory over Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game almost a month ago, not much has changed within the Wisconsin Badgers’ roster.

That’s not to say they haven’t received a bit of a makeover, though.

When the No. 10 Badgers (11-2, 6-2 Big Ten) suit up for the 98th Rose Bowl Game Monday afternoon in Pasadena against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (11-2, 8-1 Pac-12), they’ll be sporting new uniforms from Adidas with a bit of a “rosy” twist.

After being designated the “away” team, Wisconsin knew it would be wearing its road white uniforms. However, back in Madison last week, head coach Bret Bielema announced the Badgers would be altering their uniforms somewhat, but that they wouldn’t be wearing the red pants UW’s worn in past Rose Bowls, including last year’s 21-19 loss to Texas Christian.

At the Rose Bowl Media Day Friday morning at the Los Angeles Marriot Downtown hotel, Wisconsin’s uniforms were revealed, showing only slight alterations. Inside the jersey numbers – as well as the traditional “Motion W” on the helmet – the Badgers’ uniforms have a rose-filled pattern instead of the usual solid red. Wisconsin also will wear new cleats, and the sleeves of their undershirts will sport the Motion W, as well.

“The part that we want to try to do is incorporate the tradition and history of the Rose Bowl,” Bielema said Friday. “I think because our colors are red and white, it’s so unique to blend in that opportunity. A lot of teams in the world of college football are going with this ‘star’ effect or this ‘wow’ effect.

“To me, our branding at the University of Wisconsin – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into an airport on the road recruiting, whatever, and somebody grabs me and says how much they love our uniforms; the simplicity, the cleanness and the tradition of college football that really exists.”

Considering Oregon’s reputation for rolling out nearly a dozen unique uniforms each season, Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl outfit was much anticipated. Once the Ducks revealed their latest ensemble earlier this week – replete with highly reflective, metallic helmets with no Oregon logo and a dark green jersey with black numbers and a yellow trim – expectations were raised even higher.

Of course, Wisconsin’s well known for being about as traditional and consistent as college football teams come, especially in regard to uniform changes. Earlier this season, when Adidas gave the Badgers gloves with the Motion W on the inside – much like the ones made famous by Alabama and several other programs throughout the country – the players greeted it as a welcome change they had been waiting a long time for.

“We got gloves for the first time that had the ‘W’ on the palm and it was flat-out ridiculous,” safety Aaron Henry said. “It was like we were having a party in the locker room. Guys love these jerseys, and we’re just so excited to be out there and get the opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl.”

Not all players were as outwardly excited Friday. Many of Wisconsin’s offensive linemen sarcastically lamented the lack of any “slimming” effect from the new uniforms, while quarterback Russell Wilson stuck to just a few words to describe his feelings on the new outfit.

“They look great,” Wilson said. “Subtle, classy – University of Wisconsin style.”

Badgers reaping benefits of extra prep time

The Badgers have faced several fast-paced, spread attacks in Big Ten play this season, but what they’ll see from the Ducks Monday figures to be an entirely different animal.

In the lead-up to the Rose Bowl, how Wisconsin’s defense measures up against Oregon’s varied no-huddle, sped-up attacks has been the most widely discussed matchup. The 281 yards and two 100-yard receivers the Spartans produced in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis played a large factor in opening the Badgers as widely perceived Rose Bowl underdogs.

Currently, Oregon is a 6-point favorite, and though Wisconsin has been prolific in its own right this season (averaging 44.6 points per game, No. 5 in the nation), the Ducks have been lethal on offense. Oregon’s 46.2 points per game rank third in the country, while their 515.2 yards per game are fifth.

Between quarterback Darren Thomas and running backs LaMichael James and De’Anthony Thomas that also double as equally threatening receiving options, Wisconsin’s defense is likely to have its hands full with Oregon’s offense.

“I really do think that the fact that we have an extended prep is a very beneficial thing for us,” Bielema said. “It allows us to slow the game down a little bit as far as, a) how we practice, and b) how we play. Oregon would be a very difficult challenge in a 7-day window.”

The Badgers’ defensive backs have stressed an emphasis on the fundamentals, most notably tackling well and eliminating lapses in focus or issues with communication. After allowing Michigan State two scoring plays of at least 30 yards in Indianapolis, Wisconsin’s secondary has arguably never faced as much pressure this season as it does entering the Rose Bowl.

“[Defensive coordinator Chris] Ash has been getting on us pretty hard about all the little things; tackling, closing that air between you and the ball carrier because that’s when they make guys miss,” cornerback Antonio Fenelus said. “He’s always hard on us, no matter what. We went 7-0, and he was hard on us.”

Of course, Wisconsin’s defense will be helped greatly by however much success the offense is able to muster against Oregon’s own defense, also regarded as one of the nation’s fastest. The Badgers are widely expected to employ their usual grinding rushing attack with a focus on controlling the clock and keeping the Ducks’ offense on the sideline, though their ability to do so again traces back to how much they can reap from the four weeks they’ve been able to practice since their last game.

“They are fast,” fullback Bradie Ewing said of Oregon’s defensive players. “I think schematically, they’re just a little different than teams we’ve played in the past. They run a base 3-4 front, stand up the defensive end and move the linebackers around. It’s a good challenge; it’s been nice to have the extra preparation to prepare for that.”