You need to throw out the records. Minnesota is a piece of shit team. They were outgained by over 120 yards per game in the mediocre at best big 10 conference. It is a joke that this shit team is even in a bowl game. It is a minor act of god that they somehow pulled a winning record out this year.
You need to throw out the records. Minnesota is a piece of shit team. They were outgained by over 120 yards per game in the mediocre at best big 10 conference. It is a joke that this shit team is even in a bowl game. It is a minor act of god that they somehow pulled a winning record out this year.
Ducks...Like a friend was telling me, when totals get this high, it takes almost a perfect storm of events to assure it goes over, or even under in these bowls. I'm finding out this year that totals are very hard to hit. And the big reason is because the bowls are another season into themselves. Coordinators have a month to gameplan for other teams offenses or defenses. Motivation becomes a factor. And of course you get mistakes in special teams like the Rutgers kicker yesterday that cost everybody the over. I admit, the over looks very good considering both of these teams recent form and lack of defense. But I would rather rely on a 1 or 2 point spread than I would 11 touchdowns being scored.
Oregon (+1) over Okie Lite **
First, I can give you a million reasons why I like both teams. Oregon is one of the best rushing teams in the country. I think they have a great innovative coach in Bellottti. And some very hard to defend offensive schemes. OSU has the most balanced offense in the country. They are an up and coming team from arguably the best or second best conference in ther country. And have a young coach with a great coaching staff who prepares well for bowl games. But in a game like this the only thing I can go by is the numbers and the intangibles coming into the game. First, Oregon is the running dogs in this game. They are a tremendous running team who averges 278 ypg on the ground. I think the big question for this team comes if they can keep the OSU defense honest. If QB Masoli has a game like he played at Cal, the Ducks are going to have problems. If he plays like he did at Arizona St. or Oregon State where he was 33-45 for 607 yards for 5 TD's or 0 int's, then OSU can pretty much forget about it. This is the key for Oregon. As good of a running game as they have, if they can pass the ball in this game, they should keep OSU's high octane offense off the field, and come out with a win. The key to beating OSU is time of possession. A good example of this was in Texas Tech's 56-20 win over the Pokes in which Texas Tech held the ball 35 minutes to OSU's 25. And just as importantly Tech was able to run the ball for over 4 ypc on the Pokes that day. If Oregon can mix it up and do the same thing they should be alright.
The intangibles in this game favor Oregon. The last time they played in the Holiday Bowl they lost to OU. So I'm sure Bellotti has been reminding them of it in their bowl preparation. The game is also being played in the proximity of Pac-10 country. I also believe this helps. Especially if Oregon can grab the momentum early and get the crowd behind them.. And another place where OSU could get hurt is they no longer have their DC Beckman to call the plays. This could be a big deal, just because of the difficulty of preparing and defending the complicated Oregon offense. Plus the fact that Gundy doesn't even watch the game when the defense is on the field. He's off sitting on the bench drawing up offensive plays. So all of this time he's totally put his trust on defense in the hands of Beckman. And with a defenseive coaching by commitee structure now, I believe it could take the overall chemistry away from this unit if the game starts turning on them..
Like I said, the numbers are very close between these teams. OSU has the better offesne and SOS. Arguably the better if not more experienced QB. And the Ducks have the better defense, running game along with the overall team experience edge. Everything else is also even. Turnover margins, 3rd down margins etc. This is a tough game to cap. But this is the way I look at it for what it's worth: If Oregon QB Masoli is truely on the upswing and is getting better each week. And if he's stayed the same or improved in this month between games, then Oregon can win this game. I also like the late season form of Oregon vs OSU coming into this game. OSU comes off a loss to Tech Tech, a lackluster performance at Colorado and a 61-41 defeat at the hands of OU. Sometimes a home loss like this to a rival can be downer for a team. We'll have to see. But it's my opinion that since the Texas Tech game, OSU really hasn't played their best football of the season. Oregon on the other hand, looks like they are on the upswing. And their offense appears to be clicking with Masoli. The only question about this game that makes me step back and think about it is the Oregon defensive matchup against OSU's skill players. And the difference in strength of the Big 12 South compared to the Pac-10. But I'm going to go with my gut tonight and go with Oregon. But this could be a hell of a game if OSU is clicking on all cylinders.
First, I can give you a million reasons why I like both teams. Oregon is one of the best rushing teams in the country. I think they have a great innovative coach in Bellottti. And some very hard to defend offensive schemes. OSU has the most balanced offense in the country. They are an up and coming team from arguably the best or second best conference in ther country. And have a young coach with a great coaching staff who prepares well for bowl games. But in a game like this the only thing I can go by is the numbers and the intangibles coming into the game. First, Oregon is the running dogs in this game. They are a tremendous running team who averges 278 ypg on the ground. I think the big question for this team comes if they can keep the OSU defense honest. If QB Masoli has a game like he played at Cal, the Ducks are going to have problems. If he plays like he did at Arizona St. or Oregon State where he was 33-45 for 607 yards for 5 TD's or 0 int's, then OSU can pretty much forget about it. This is the key for Oregon. As good of a running game as they have, if they can pass the ball in this game, they should keep OSU's high octane offense off the field, and come out with a win. The key to beating OSU is time of possession. A good example of this was in Texas Tech's 56-20 win over the Pokes in which Texas Tech held the ball 35 minutes to OSU's 25. And just as importantly Tech was able to run the ball for over 4 ypc on the Pokes that day. If Oregon can mix it up and do the same thing they should be alright.
The intangibles in this game favor Oregon. The last time they played in the Holiday Bowl they lost to OU. So I'm sure Bellotti has been reminding them of it in their bowl preparation. The game is also being played in the proximity of Pac-10 country. I also believe this helps. Especially if Oregon can grab the momentum early and get the crowd behind them.. And another place where OSU could get hurt is they no longer have their DC Beckman to call the plays. This could be a big deal, just because of the difficulty of preparing and defending the complicated Oregon offense. Plus the fact that Gundy doesn't even watch the game when the defense is on the field. He's off sitting on the bench drawing up offensive plays. So all of this time he's totally put his trust on defense in the hands of Beckman. And with a defenseive coaching by commitee structure now, I believe it could take the overall chemistry away from this unit if the game starts turning on them..
Like I said, the numbers are very close between these teams. OSU has the better offesne and SOS. Arguably the better if not more experienced QB. And the Ducks have the better defense, running game along with the overall team experience edge. Everything else is also even. Turnover margins, 3rd down margins etc. This is a tough game to cap. But this is the way I look at it for what it's worth: If Oregon QB Masoli is truely on the upswing and is getting better each week. And if he's stayed the same or improved in this month between games, then Oregon can win this game. I also like the late season form of Oregon vs OSU coming into this game. OSU comes off a loss to Tech Tech, a lackluster performance at Colorado and a 61-41 defeat at the hands of OU. Sometimes a home loss like this to a rival can be downer for a team. We'll have to see. But it's my opinion that since the Texas Tech game, OSU really hasn't played their best football of the season. Oregon on the other hand, looks like they are on the upswing. And their offense appears to be clicking with Masoli. The only question about this game that makes me step back and think about it is the Oregon defensive matchup against OSU's skill players. And the difference in strength of the Big 12 South compared to the Pac-10. But I'm going to go with my gut tonight and go with Oregon. But this could be a hell of a game if OSU is clicking on all cylinders.
Good luck on the play. I had TCU and Oregon down as my two favorite plays of the bowls prior to January 1. I didnt get TCU, but I am very confident that this play is going to hit. I will be very surprised if both of these plays miss for me, and I think that Masoli is going to have a great game.
Neither team will win if they are held under 24. But if those Oregon fans think this is going to be a 2 TD or more cakewalk their crazy. OSU is every bit as athletic as Oregon. I think the difference here is definitely going to be Masoli. He better be on against the Pokes or their going to lose. I still bet this game small. I think the line going down in Oregon's favor is a direct result of the way Missouri played last night. But many people don't realize that the Big 12 South is miles better than the North. We'll see just how strong they are tonight. If the 4th best team in the Big 12 South knocks off the second best team in the Pac-10, the other bowl teams better watch out for this conference..I'm really looking forward to this game. It will be a good guage to how far OSU has come with their program.
Going against the line movement, plus I'm convinced the Big 12 will show that they aren't only OU and Tex. Took Okie 'Lite' at -2.5 and bought a little more when it became a pick'em. I hate going against one of the best GS, but unlike you, probably bet a little too much w/ my heart instead of my brain.
Hunter and the Okie St. line really surprised me against Texas, as they were able to run on the Horns, even though I feel that is UT's strength. I believe they control the game w/ the run and hopefully can spring Dez a little over the top.
Good luck nonetheless.
Hunter and the Okie St. line really surprised me against Texas, as they were able to run on the Horns, even though I feel that is UT's strength. I believe they control the game w/ the run and hopefully can spring Dez a little over the top.
Good luck nonetheless.
GS, I'm a bit surprised you went against such a strong Okie Lite team. I really am. With everyone bashing on the Big 12's defenses, this game set up perfectly to hammer Oklahoma State. I got them at +1 right before kick, and I personally think this is a late Christmas gift. They will roll tonight. Their defense is highly underrated. BOL though.
Missouri had nothing to play for. They honestly remind of the Cowboys (Dallas) in many different ways. I also think Tech will struggle with this same mindset. I really do. Oklahoma State is DAMNED good though. I don't know where everyone started jumping on Oregon's bandwagon. I'm guilty of this stuff too though, and that's primarily overthinking. BOL.
I can't believe the Rice game... I'm watching the other game but 24 - 0???? Is Rice the '85 Bears or what?? Unbelievable. Home field is really a home field. Turnovers are helping!! Rice only lost to good bowl teams from BCS conferences but I had no idea this game would be like this!! Oh well, just one game on the radar! Good luck!
GS, what is the deal w/ Oklahoma State not being able to close games? Is it me or is this they way that have always been? I didn't start watching them until the inception of the Big 12, and since then, they've given up more halftime leads than any team I've ever watched. They've lost 4 halftime leads to Texas alone in the last few years. Has this always been a problem for Okie Lite?
