 |
| Oregon celebrated in Reser last year, will the Ducks smell Roses again? (Johnathan Ferrey/Getty Images) |
Last season, OSU had a chance to play spoiler on their home field when the Ducks came into town. After getting within 10 early in the 4th quarter, Oregon scored a pair of touchdowns to put the game on ice and clinch their berth into the national championship. Oregon's defense stood tall on the day, forcing four turnovers and holding Jacquizz Rodgers out of the end zone for only the fourth time on the season and under 100 yards for only the second time at home on the season.
Looking ahead to this season, the Ducks have won the last 3 consecutive Civil War games. Oregon is coming off of a rare home loss against USC. The Ducks had trouble holding onto the ball and found themselves down 38-14 before a De'Anthony Thomas kick return sparked an Oregon comeback that fell short when Alejandro Maldenado's field goal attempt went wide to give USC a 38-35 victory.
For the Beavers, they have a little momentum after beating Washington, soundly. They took a small lead into the second half which they expanded to 31-14 lead which would be more than enough to beat the stumbling Huskies. Joevan Stevenson broke out in the fourth quarter, tallying 3 scores. He aided Sean Mannion who threw for 339 yards and provided the majority of the Oregon State offense on the day.
Oregon is a heavy favorite as they host OSU and the Beavers will be tasked with slowing down an Oregon offense which hasn't scored fewer than 30 points since their opening week loss against LSU. After leaving the game with a knee tweak, LaMichael James looks to be alright moving forward for this week. Last week, Kenjon Barner had to carry much of the load in the second half after James' elbow brace was broken late in the first half on a fumble by James. The Ducks boast a dynamic offense that was really rolling against Stanford and in the second half against USC. For the Beavers to control the Duck offense, they need to win the line of scrimmage.
The Beavers have not been good against the run this year, their run defense better than only Colorado this year. The line has been going through all sorts of growing pains and they will absolutely have to step up to slow this offense or it could be a long day for OSU. Another problem OSU has had is controlling a mobile quarter back. While Darron Thomas has found himself to be more of a passer this season and less of a running threat he has shown the ability to run the ball. They are going to need to force turnovers and capitalize on them to turn the tide and knock the Ducks off their rhythm.
Offensively for the Beavers, they have turned to Sean Mannion to carry the offense. The first year signal caller has preformed admirably behind a sometimes porous offensive line. The Beavers will be competing against a young Oregon secondary who have been suseptable to the pass. It will be interesting to see how the young Beavers play in what is sure to be a hostile environment. If Mannion and the youthful offensive line can gel together and block out the noise, it's possible that Mannion could have a big day. Mannion is passing to a receiving corp that has been explosive at times this season and features James Rodgers and Markus Wheaton. It's unknown how Wheaton will be received in Autzen, the place where his cousin Kenny Wheaton made one of the most memorable plays in Oregon football history.
Oregon State can not trade scores with the Ducks. If they expect to go into this game and play for a shoot out, it could get out of hand for the visitors. It will be an interesting story to see if the Beavers can control the ball and the clock keeping the Ducks offense off the field.
No comments:
Post a Comment