BFS Current Stories OK, I got caught up in the Christmas rush and never did the week to week stories that I said I would. But after all, I am still getting back into this after a long break. Well anyway. Have all of you gotten your Sun Bowl apparel and souveners? Mine showed up from El Paso the other day. The t-shirt looks cool as well as the Sun Bowl pins. Can't hardly wait for the game. Planning a big party with friends who can get out of work here to watch the game. The 2006 Sun Bowl matches Oregon State vs Missouri in a classic Pac10 - Big12 matchup of very comparible teams. Missouri is a quick strike team with a big passing game that opens up the ground game. Missiouri's leading rusher is Tony Temple with 869 yards on 173 carries. Missouri averages about 25.8 carries per game while Oregon State leading rusher, Evenson Bernard has carried the ball 273 times for 1210 yards. Oregon State averages about 25.8 carries per game. Missouri's season started well with 6 striaght wins, but only one of those wins was over a team that finished the season with a winning record. Missouri went 2-4 down the stretch with their only wins coming over 7-5 Kansas State and 6-6 Kansas. So in the quality win category, Missouri has perhaps two. The win over Texas Tech at Texas Tech and the win over Kansas St. at home. Missouri played 7 home games and 5 road games. They were 2-3 in road games this season. Oregon State started the season just the oppisite of Missouri, going 2-3 and getting blown out in two losing to ranked teams. However, down the stretch the Beavers played some outstanding football. The Beavers went 7-1 in their last 8 games beating 2 ranked teams in #3 USC and #25 Hawaii. The Beavers were 4-2 in road games this season and had 4 wins over bowl bound teams. Their quality wins were at Washington, Arizona State, USC, Oregon and Hawaii.
Looking at the numbers for each team, you have to feel that Missouri has a real advantage in this game. They have the advantage in many statistical categories and most of the major areas in both offense and defense. But in breaking down the numbers and looking at the conference Missouri plays in a trend can be determinied. The Big 12 conference is primarily a running conference which would account for why Missouri has bigger rushing numbers on both sides of the ball then the Beavers. It would also account for why the passing defense numbers are lower as teams run more. Missouri has bigger passing numbers because they had to resort to the passing game more as the season went along as teams shut down their ground game. Missouri throws the ball deep and scores more in the air then on the ground 26-14. Where the Beavers are more balanced with 16 passing td's to 19 rushing td's. The big key for the game is whether the Beavers can put constant pressure on Missouri's QB to disrupt the passing game. The Beavers rush defense should be able to slow down the tigers ground game. This game has a feel similar to the Hawaii game where we are facing a team with a potent passing game and a ground game that can hurt you if you don't pay attention. The real key will be in the ability to stop the pass and limit the big play. The kicking game could be huge with the place kickers being fairly even and also the punters. It may come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. THE LAST WORD The Beavers should be able to win this game. They have all the momentum and if they keep their heads about them and play like they have the last 8 weeks of the season I see the Beavers winning in a close game. Missouri will have the advantage of home crowd. They will have a decided home fan advantage in numbers. The Beavers will have to remain calm and keep their composure in times of adversity. Team leadership will play a big role in the game by keeping the team on track. I look for Matt Moore to continue his solid play and have a good game passing the ball that will open up the ground game for Bernard. Look for the Beavers to get their share of picks (3) in a game that will be decided by turnovers. FINAL SCORE OREGON STATE 38 - MISSOURI 21 GO BEAVS! BFS |
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