Bookie- concerning the KSU/UO game...I'll be wagering KSU on house money. Not a huge play, and I'll wait on this line to bump to 10+ which should happen by game time. I will also place a wager on the ML.
Two teams that are so freakin' opposite...yet very similar in so many ways:
-Both get the turnovers and make points. UO 30 forced TO's on the season = 136 points...not like they needed the points
. I don't have a similar number for KSU (I picked that 136 off a web site), but I'll wager my mortgage it's nearly as impressive.
-Turnover margin per game...KSU #1 and UO #2.
-Takeaways per game UO #1 and KSU #5.
-both teams do NOT miss tackles. Duh? Not many teams play fundamental defense like the Ducks or Wildcats. Why that's a problem for so many teams, I'll never know. But I digress...
-both teams rush the passer very judiciously...while fans want more, both coaching staffs use their rushes very effectively and get their stops and sacks when nobody else sees it coming. (Ex: KSU sent the "blitz" only 4-5 times vs Texas 30ish pas attempts...result on each blitz = nothing for UT...maybe 10 yds total for UT on those blitzes?).
-Lots of similarities...but let's not get nuts about it. These offenses couldn't be more different. UO blazes "catch me if you can"....KSU is more punch you in the face "give me 3 yards and I'll take 5, thank you".
-Who will get more 3rd down conversions? UO will get many attempts at this...how many will KSU get?
-Concerning possessions....KSU in a single possession will either: go three and out...or pick up a 1st down and punt inside your 15...in either case, they will erase clock at a clip that makes Father Time look like an offensive lineman running a 40 yd dash. And it kills.
-if it comes down to punting and kicking FG's...no brainer...KSU wins.
My opinion: if both teams show up to play, KSU covers. Snyder is winless in his last 4 (?) bowl attempts. This team (although put together with duct tape in the off-season) returns many players from last seasons's disappointing loss to the Hogs (a beat-down in the trenches, btw). Comparing QB's...FR Mariota is hell on wheels...but I'll take SR Klein every fuckin' time, who is equally hell on wheels...not as quick, but he reads defense like Einstien. Klein got snubbed by media...will that motivate he and his guys? Snyder didn't get COY...will that motivate? Dont' know...just fodder.