the oregon ducks, winners of the pac-12 championship game, represented the pac-12 conference, while the wisconsin badgers represented the big ten after winning the big ten championship game. entering the game, the badgers lead the series 3–1 over the ducks, winning in 1977, 1978 and 2000. in 2001, oregon, coached by mike bellotti defeated wisconsin 31–28 at autzen stadium in eugene oregon. both teams had their pre-game practices at the home depot center in carson, california.