Oregon Ducks vs Oklahoma State Cowboys

This is an offense vs offense game if ever there was one. Both these teams put up big numbers on the scoreboard and in the run game. OK ST also has a big threat in the passing game as well.

Let's start with OK ST. While I HATE (yes HATE) the OK Sooners I really have no issue with the OK ST Cowboys. They have had a hell of a season and deserve all the credit in the world. I did think OK ST was a little overrated when they broke into the Top 10 just because they hadn't played thier big conference foes at that point. But the fact remains that the 3 losses they have came against the #1, #2 and #3 team (all rankings the week that they played them). I don't care how you slice it, that's great football. Their running game is terrific, both backs are averaging right at 7 yards a carry. They also have a more potent passing attack than the Ducks. Robinson threw for almost 3000 yards and 24 TD's this season and was vastly overshadowed by the QB's of TX,TX Tech and OK (who of course won the Heisman). They beat Missouri when they were ranked 3rd (I called that one). OK ST boasts the #7 ranked rushing offense in the country averaging 256 yards per game. The Ducks will need to slow that down a bit to compete.

Oregon will need to do what I've said all along this season. They need to be somewhat successful with the pass to keep the run game open. Johnson and Blount should have a HUGE day against the OK ST defense. Oregon comes in with the #4 rushing offense in the country.

SIDE NOTE - I you consider that Navy, Nevada, Air Force and LA Lafayette are all also in the top 10 rushing teams in the country I think you can easily slide OR and OK ST up the list to #2 and #3. Those teams I listed don't play in a competitive conference. GA Tech would stay ahead of both teams in this scenario. This game features 2 of the best rushing teams and there WILL be some fireworks.

Alright, back to Oregon. Masoli is the starter and has been for the better part of the season. This is his 1st year at Oregon and this is a complicated offense, he has matured as the season went on. If he's made some strides during the month of December we may see some great things. I'm looking forward to the future. He's a proven leader having won a JC National Championship last year.

The difference in this game will be the defenses. Both teams are going to rush and both teams will put points on the board. One of these teams needs to have thier defense step up and make some big plays. I think Oregon has proven that they can do that. Jairus Byrd, Spencer Paysinger and Patrick Chung need to have good solid games and they need to make a couple of turnovers, preferable like the ones they had against the Beavers where they turn them in to points on the board. I'd also like to continue seeing solid DE play from Nick Reed, he's a little guy for a lineman but you cannot measure heart and he's got plenty of it! I think OR's big play potential on defense is the key to this game!

GO DUCKS!!!!!

(who'd you expect me to pick)