The season finale will mark the 118th Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. In recent years, the game’s importance has been overshadowed by Oregon’s national spotlight. But it’s never an easy win for either side, so here’s how the 118th Civil War stacks up:
Offense:
Following Oregon’s 44-10 win over Colorado in what was likely Marcus Mariota’s final game at Autzen Stadium, the Ducks have scored 42 points or more in each of their past six games. They rank at the top of the Pac-12 in points scored (504) and average 45.8 points per game.
Oregon also sits at the top of the conference in total offense and leads the Pac-12 in rushing offense and is third in passing offense behind California and Washington State — two teams that have thrown the ball a combined 528 times more than Oregon. The offensive line looked spectacular against Colorado even with redshirt senior Hamani Stevens moving to center in Hroniss Grasu’s absence.
Second-to-last and only better than Stanford, Oregon State ranks 11th in the conference in offensive scoring. The Beavers have scored 289 points and an average of 26.3 points in their 11 games this season.
One of the biggest problems the Beavers have had this year is establishing the run game. They are only better than Washington State, who rarely runs the ball at all, in rushing yards per game (115.5).
Through the air, they are a middle-of-the-Pac team. The Beavers average 280.8 yards per game, good for seventh best in the conference.
Perhaps the Oregon State offense’s biggest struggle comes on third down, where in the upset win over Arizona State the Beavers were just 1-12. They convert on third down just 31.1 percent of the time, the worst in the conference.
Advantage: Oregon
Defense:
In what appeared to be their most dominating defensive game against Colorado — the Ducks allowed just 226 yards and only 93 yards in the first half — Oregon has appeared to figure things out defensively late in the season.
Oregon is second in the Pac-12 in points allowed, allowing just 23.6 per game. One of the key reasons for their success is an improved pass defense and turnover margin. Redshirt senior defensive back Troy Hill leads the conference with 16 passes defended including an interception, a category that another Duck defensive back leads: Erick Dargan (5). In addition, Oregon has the third-most turnovers this season (22) in the conference.
The Beavers allow 30.2 points per game on average and have allowed 35 points or more in each of their last five games. Oregon State has the second-best pass defense in the conference, allowing 237.3 yards through the air this season on average.
In their huge upset over Arizona State, the Beavers picked off ASU’s Taylor Kelly twice and held him to a QBR of 40.0. As a team, Oregon State has 11 interceptions and six fumbles. The Beavers have also shown to be good in keeping the opposing team from racking up first downs allowing 21.6 a game — fourth best in the Pac-12.
Advantage: Oregon
Follow Andrew Bantly on Twitter @andrewbantly