Fiesta Bowl Preview: Keys to the Game

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For being in drastically different geographically locations, Kansas State and Oregon are identical teams statistically. The Ducks are second in the nation in scoring while the Wildcats are tenth in that category. The Wildcats are 24th in scoring defense while the Ducks are 26th.

The Ducks utilize senior running back Kenjon Barner, who has 21 rushing touchdowns on the season, while Wildcats running back John Hubert has scored 15 touchdowns. Both teams possess dual-threat quarterbacks in Marcus Mariota for the Ducks and Collin Klein for Kansas State.

Many factors for both teams seem to match up evenly. For either team’s offense to operate effectively, their playmakers will have to take advantage of the edges of the field. In both team’s loses, neither team could develop an effective running game on the outside. Against Stanford, the Ducks rushed for 196 yards, 127 yards below their season average. Against Baylor, the Wildcats rushed for 76 yards, 123 yards below their season average.

Both team’s offenses pride themselves in dominating the outside perimeters of the field with expert running from the running back and quarterback positions. Both defenses have experienced similar challenges in trying to defend against these types of high octane offenses during practice. The key for either offense to be effective will be both quarterbacks to dictating the edge through option reads. This will be especially important for Collin Klein, who has 22 rushing touchdowns on the season. While Mariota only has four rushing touchdowns, he has shown an ability to sprint out of the pocket and buy time for a pass and run. Securing the perimeter will be crucial in supplanting an efficient offense for either team.

Beyond the offensive game plans, turnovers will also be a primary factor in the game. The Ducks have been tenacious in taking the ball away from their opponents, forcing a school record 38 turnovers. The Wildcats have been no slouches either, collecting 18 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries.

In recent years, both defenses have been cited as liabilities for not keeping up with their offenses. This year they have stepped up to supply short fields for their offenses constantly. Mariota and Klein will also have to be judicious with their ball handling, as the two quarterbacks have thrown a combined 13 interceptions.

Whichever team controls the edges of the field and commits the least amount of turnovers will most likely end up being crowned the Fiesta Bowl winner.

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