Oregon vs Oregon State: Civil War Game

[donovan]

Just one person’s opinion. Like most rivalries, when it comes to the Civil War, Oregon State vs the University of Oregon, it is reasonable to believe that all the past statistics will prove to be irrelevant. Oregon State with its 5-6 (4-4 PAC 10) record is a much better team than it appears to be on paper. I have seen them in person only once this year and though they have been erratic in performance game to game, they have the goods to make this a real contest. This, like most games will be determined by the best defense.

Oregon this year has very good skill players and their offensive line is very discipline. This strategy of getting the ball off in 15 seconds or less has left defenses chasing their tails. What I have seen is Oregon sets up with in 5 or 6 seconds. shifts a couple of time and the ball is snapped at 14 or 15 seconds. The defense who never was set shifts with the offense and when the ball in put into play, Oregon just takes control of the play.

I think the key is for Oregon State to quickly set up their defense and to not shift. Go with what you defensively called. Stay set and when the snap happens make the adjustments. If not, I do not think there is any hope for them. Mike Riley is a good coach. He is disciplined and has taken firm stands with his players. No nonsense. I think he will have his team ready.

Oregon has scored with in one or two minutes of possession…Oregon is in last place in the PAC 10 in time of possession with 24.44 minutes per game. I think this is the key…to stopping them.

On defense, Oregon is good, not great, good at stopping the scoring. They cover well down field, but not so great against the run. That of course with Rodgers who is a little fireplug. Very hard to stop and has this sideways lateral move that happens in an instant. If Oregon State’s O line opens the holes…he will get through them.

Oregon, imo, is for real. Darron Thomas, the guy who replaced Massoli, is big time. Quick, accurate and reads the field as well as anyone. He is the spearhead of this quick set up and run offense.

My prediction: Oregon State has as much, in their minds to gain as Oregon. This rivalry is as intense as any in the Pac 10 The schools are only 45 miles apart. Will be a sell out of about 45,000 people. Oregon State will stop the Ducks offense and Oregon will not contain Rodgers. OSU 28, Oregon 21 Would I bet the mortgage…nope…will I be surprised if Uof O blows OSU out…no….if OSU blows Oregon out…yes…but in the end…I think OSU thinks they have more to gain, and that may make the difference.