The statistics are frightening.
Oregon State (7-3 overall, 4-2 Pac-10) ranks in the top 10 nationally in total defense, rushing defense, pass efficiency defense and interceptions.
The Beavers are 12th nationally in total offense and 10th in passing offense. No team sits ahead of Oregon State in the Pacific-10 Conference in total offense (460.9) or total defense (289.5).
Why such great numbers? A 40-point blowout of the Cardinal while holding them to minus 12 rushing yards helps. The 663 total offensive yards against Stanford, the third-highest single-game mark in school history, makes a statement.
The Beavers come to Autzen Stadium on Saturday for the 107th Civil War. Oregon State hasn’t won in Eugene since a 15-12 victory in 1993. The Ducks have won the last four straight at home.
“To break that cycle, we’re going to have to play better than good, and we’re going to have to handle the noise, and we’ve got to handle the distraction of being in a place that’s been a bad place for the Ducks’ opponents, so there’s a lot to overcome there,” Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said.
The Beavers bring an army that is ready for the challenge. Linebacker Richard Seigler could bring plenty of trouble for the Oregon offense.
“Richard is a tremendous guy,” Riley said. “He’s got that side that everybody sees with the emotion and the talking and all that stuff. His number-one goal is for this team to win, and he’s been a real good leader for this team.”
Seigler has had 53 tackles for combined losses of 159 yards and 6.5 sacks for a losses of 43 yards in his career.
Will it help Seigler’s defensive statistics if Oregon is wearing the yellow uniforms?
“It doesn’t matter, I know it’s just going to be a fun game,” Seigler said. “Oregon’s players are excited, we’re excited. We’re not worried about the bulletin board material, we just know it’s going to be a fun game to play.”
Defensive end Bill Swancutt will also be lining up against Oregon. Swancutt broke Oregon State’s career sack record this season and has 23 for his career. He has 14 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks so far this season.
Oregon State running back Steven Jackson leads the way on offense. Jackson ranks sixth in the NCAA in average rushing yards with 126.6 per game. Jackson has rushed for 1,266 yards this season.
Jackson will be ready for Oregon on Saturday after rushing for 153 yards against the Ducks last season. He believes Oregon State is playing its best football of the season.
“I think we are,” he said. “One week it was the offense, the next week it was the defense, but lately the whole team has come together and been really strong.”
Oregon State is averaging 309.1 passing yards per game behind the arm of quarterback Derek Anderson. Wide receiver James Newson ranks second in the nation, averaging 117.67 receiving yards per game.
Oregon State and Oregon have nearly equal records, both are on two-game winning streaks and bowl implications are at the forefront in this game.
The Beavers have scored a combined 95 points in the last two games, and the Ducks have allowed a combined 30 points.