Usually after the Ohio State-Michigan game, interests in college football throughout the state of Ohio runs to a moderate-at-best level. Not so tonight.
What’s happening
Tonight, Oregon State (8-3) travels 47 miles down Route 5 to Eugene, where the Oregon Ducks (9-2) await. their 9pm showdown. They call it the Civil War, but don’t expect much civility.
The reward
The game will determine the 2009 Pac-10 Champion and the Rose Bowl committee will be in attendance to invite the game winner to play in their little bowl game.
If Oregon State wins, they get the Rose Bowl while Oregon goes to the Holiday Bowl, the award for being the Pac-10 #2 team. They’ll likely face Oklahoma State.
If Oregon wins tonight, they get the Rose Bowl while Oregon State will fall to anywhere from third to fifth place in the conference, garnering something between the Las Vegas Bowl and the Emerald Bowl.
What to expect
Expect a lot of firepower tonight. Oregon averages 38 points per game, and have topped the 40-point mark in 7 of their last 8 games. Oregon State averages 33 points per game.
Oregon has a bevy of players to unleash;
- QB Jeremiah Masoli has 1,865 yards to go with his 14 TDs and 4 INTs. Oh, and he’s also got 620 yards rushing, and another 12 TDs on the ground. A double-threat with some speed
- LaMichael James has 1,310 yards rushing and 11 TDs. His LOWEST average yards per game was over 6.
- Jeff Maehl and Ed Dickson are the top two WR threats. They each average over 10 yards per catch for the season.
The Beavers will counter with three serious threats;
- QB Sean Canfield has 2,800 yards passing, 19 TDs and only 6 INTs. If not for his tendency to get sacked (negative-151 yards rushing for the season), he’d be a part of the discussion for the Heisman.
- RB Jacquizz Rodgers has 1,313 yards rushing and 19 TDs on the year. Add in another 436 yards receiving, and he’s always got to be watched. Also, Rodgers has NEVER put the ball on the ground. Not even a drop that he recovered himself.
- WR James Rodgers has over 1,000 yards combined rushing and receiving, tacking on another 9 TDs. They’ll use him on reverses and quick throws behind the line of scrimmage.
What they’re saying
Most prognosticators expect the Ducks to run away with this game. Vegas has Oregon favored by 9.5 points.
Our thoughts
I’m not so sure. I won’t be surprised if Oregon does win, but Oregon State is angry and looking for their due. Last year, the Beavers were one win away from making the Rose Bowl, and got buried at home by the Ducks, 65-38. They want revenge.
Want Oregon to win?
Hope that the Ducks don’t play like their last Thursday night game, a 19-8 loss at Boise State. On Sportsmanship night. You know the story.
If Oregon plays like they have in their other 10 games, they’ll win tonight.
Want Oregon State to win?
Pray that the defense shows up. The Beavers allowed a total of 107 points in their 3 losses. Giving up that 36 point average to a team like Oregon will be their death knell.
Oregon State allows only 17 points per game in their 8 victories. That defesne has to show up tonight, or no amount of Jacquizz Rodgers breakaways will save them.
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