Taking a position-by-position look at the Peach Bowl showdown between No. 19 Auburn and No. 18 Wisconsin:

QUARTERBACK — Auburn: Wisconsin has no answer at quarterback, giving Auburn star Nick Marshall the edge in this battle. Marshall followed up his breakout junior season with a better senior season. Marshall has been more balanced in 2014, throwing for 2,315 yards and 18 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Marshall added 780 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Marshall makes plays and will need to use his athleticism to beat a good Wisconsin defense on Thursday.

RUNNING BACK — Wisconsin: As good as Auburn’s run game is — it ranks first in the SEC — the Tigers have no back like the Badgers’ Melvin Gordon. The junior has rushed for 2,336 yard and 26 touchdowns this season and was a Heisman finalist. Gordon has already announced his intent to enter the NFL Draft. During his final four regular season games, Gordon twice rushed for more than 200 yards and had a 408-yard performance.

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END — Auburn: The Badgers don’t have a household name on the outside, and Auburn does, giving the Tigers the edge in this position battle. Junior Sammie Coates and his counterpart, JUCO transfer Duke Williams who is suspended for Thursday’s game — have made plays in the passing game for Auburn all season. Coates looks to have a huge game in his final outing as a Tiger. However, with Williams’ absence, Auburn will need strong efforts from senior Quan Bray and junior Ricardo Louis. Auburn does have depth at receiver and tight end, something on which head coach Gus Malzahn will have to rely.

OFFENSIVE LINE — Wisconsin: Auburn allowed the third-most sacks in the SEC, though blocking for the league’s top run game. The Badgers are big up front, and blocked for the nation’s fourth-best run game. Wisconsin has the better offensive line, with its prototypical Big Ten size and ability to carve holes for Gordon. The Badgers have to feel good about facing a porous Auburn defensive front.

DEFENSIVE LINE — Wisconsin: Wisconsin has arguably the top defense in the Big Ten, ranking in the top five of most major defensive categories. Dave Aranda’s defense is in the top-five in scoring defense, total defense, rush defense, pass defense and sacks. The Badgers have produced 25 sacks, good for second in the conference. Wisconsin has good size up front, but struggles with speed, something that could bode well for Auburn.

LINEBACKER — Wisconsin: Wisconsin boasts two of the best linebackers in the country in Marcus Trotter and Derek Landisch. The duo ranks second and third on the team in tackles, respectively. Trotter and Landisch have combined for 162 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. The two compliment a linebacking corps that anchors the Badgers’ 4-3 defense and have the ability to plug gaps and make life difficult for the Auburn run game.

SECONDARY — Auburn: The secondaries for these two teams are essentially a toss-up. Wisconsin ranks second in pass defense, allowing just 147.6 yards per game — but was exposed in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State. Auburn ranked next to last in pass defense in 2014, but has playmakers. The Tigers tied for first in the SEC in interceptions with 19, and has guys at cornerback and safety who can play the ball. Advantage, Auburn.