Tulsa World: Game matchups

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Game matchups

OSU's Dez Bryant ranks third nationally in punt returns at 17.9 yards a return. He has returned two for touchdowns this season. daryl wilson/Tulsa World

By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 12/30/2008 2:28 AM
Last Modified: 12/30/2008 3:47 AM

OSU offense vs. Oregon defense

The Cowboys have popped 64 plays from scrimmage that covered at least 20 yards. Seventeen of those plays went for at least 40 yards. OSU's most underrated commodity is its offensive line, with the five starters having a combined total of 149 career starts. Oregon's strength defensively is its pass rush (end Nick Reed has 13 sacks and the team overall has 38) and its secondary (as good as any in the Big 12, OSU coach Mike Gundy says).

Advantage: OSU. The Cowboys are outfitted with elite playmakers.

OSU defense vs. Oregon offense

Because of their inability to pressure opposing QBs, the Cowboys are 110th nationally in pass defense. Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli has completed 57 percent of his passes over his last three games, and four Oregon receivers have at least 33 catches. Duck running backs Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount have combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards.

Advantage: Oregon. The Ducks skillfully execute the option, and OSU hasn't had much exposure to option rushing attacks in recent seasons.

Special teams

The Ducks missed field-goal attempts from 31, 33 and 29 yards. On attempts of less than 50 yards, OSU's Dan Bailey is 14-of-15. OSU punter Matt Fodge is the Ray Guy Award recipient, and Dez Bryant ranks third nationally on punt returns. OSU's Perrish Cox is third nationally on kickoff returns. Oregon has a dangerous punt-return man in Jairus Byrd.

Advantage: OSU. Every time they get a return opportunity, Bryant and Cox are home-run threats.

Coaching

Mike Bellotti is the most successful head coach in Oregon football history. Highly regarded Ducks offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has been tabbed to eventually succeed Bellotti. OSU has been forced to adjust to the departure of defensive coordinator Tim Beckman, now the head coach at Toledo.

Advantage: Oregon. The OSU preparation routine was disrupted by the loss of Beckman.

Intangibles

Oklahoma State was beaten in three of its final five games (albeit by three quality opponents — Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma). The Ducks are the hotter team, having prevailed in five of their last six games (including a 65-38 road rout of rival Oregon State).

Advantage: Oregon. Both teams are plus-five on turnovers for the season, but the Ducks are riding a three-game win streak. By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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