3 keys to a victory for Oregon in its rivalry game vs. Oregon State

The series between Oregon and Oregon State might date back to the 19th century, but the history of the rivalry for the two head coaches on Saturday couldn’t be more different.

No. 9 Oregon’s rookie coach Dan Lanning is about to stand on the sidelines for his first game between the heated in-state rivals, though he said he’s heard from some Beaver fans already during his 10 months living in the state.

“A little bit. Nothing too crazy,” Lanning said with smile. “I feel like most of them stay up in Corvallis and I kind of hang around Eugene.”

No. 21 Oregon State's coach Jonathan Smith, on the other hand, put more than his share of sweat equity into this rivalry during his four years as the Beavers quarterback between 1998-2001.

“Obviously a game that brings out a lot of passion and emotion, and we’re going to need it,” said Smith, who was 2-2 against the Ducks.

The game will kickoff at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Reser Stadium in Corvallis. A win for the Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac-12) would put them into the Pac-12 Championship game against Southern California in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. An Oregon loss would require a Washington State win against Washington Saturday night for the Ducks to play in their fourth straight conference championship game.

Rivalry game basics: Notes for No. 9 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 21 Oregon State Beavers

Whatever happens, it's not expected to be easy as the Beavers (8-3, 5-3) are 5-1 in their last six games, having held opponents to an average of 14.5 points and 307.8 yards per game over that stretch. They’re also 10-1 at home the last two seasons.

“It doesn't take any extra juice for our guys,” Lanning said. “I think they appreciate this game and knows what it means. I love rivalries when it comes to rivalries in college football. So this is certainly one of the great ones and I think our guys are excited and ready to go play."

Here are three keys for an Oregon victory.

Get Bo Nix on the field

The quarterback battled through an ankle injury to play against Utah last week and the Ducks will need him ready to go again this week in Corvallis.

Oregon simply has no replacement for Nix, who has been one of the best players in college football this season.

Among his many impressive statistics, Nix leads the FBS in completion percentage (72.2%), is tied for first in total touchdowns (40), is third in total yards per play (8.52) and passes of 40-plus yards (14), is sixth in passer rating (169.1), tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns (14) and is eighth in total yards of offense (3,570) and yards per game (324.5).

After getting injured late in the loss to Washington on Nov. 12, Nix returned against the Utes, and though limited, still threw for 287 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The injury still lingers for Nix, who continues to get treatment on his right ankle as the team prepares to face an Oregon State defense that is ranked second in the Pac-12 in fewest yards allowed per game at 330.6.

“I think it's evaluated every single day. We'll see,” Lanning said Monday. “We have great medical staff; they do a good job. Bo understands. He’s been playing the game for a long time. He understands the way his body feels. Obviously, he was able to go out there on Saturday, but keep evaluating as we get closer to each game.”

ICYMI: A gutsy performance by the defense and Bo Nix

Defensive needs to rise up again

The Ducks defense was much maligned after the Washington game two weeks ago when it allowed 522 yards — 408 passing — and surrendered 10 points in the final 3:07 in a 37-34 loss.

But they rebounded big time against Utah.

The Ducks allowed just 10 points and 326 yards against then-No. 10 Utah to help keep Oregon in the hunt for a Pac-12 Championship game berth. The defense also produced three takeaways and made three stops on fourth down.

That’s the version of the defense Oregon will need to have in Corvallis. Statistically, the Utes are only slightly better on offense than the Beavers, who will have the advantage of playing at home.

“You go back and watch the tape, and it’s never as good and never as bad as you think it is at times,” Lanning said of his defense’s performance against Utah. “There was a lot of plays that we felt like we could have performed a lot better. I think our guys played with great energy and juice.”

Be the better running team

In a matchup between two of the best rushing teams in the conference and the two best run defenses, it seems whoever is able to establish their dominance in that area will have the advantage on the scoreboard.

Oregon has the Pac-12’s No. 2 rushing offense (222.9 yards per game) and No. 2 rushing defense (112.5 yards allowed per game).

Oregon State has the Pac-12’s No. 4 rushing offense (192.9) and No. 1 rushing defense (111.4).

The Ducks are led by the one-two punch of running backs Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington. Irving has rushed for 854 yards and three scores, and Whittington has rushed for 673 and four scores.

Until his injury, Nix was also a threat with 509 rushing yards and a Pac-12 leading 14 rushing TDs.

Against Utah, Nix had just one designed run that went for 2 yards, and the run game suffered as Irving and Whittington combined for 73 yards on 20 carries against the Utes’ stout defense.

“We didn't go under center as much last game,” Lanning said. “That's based on the way our quarterback felt, the fact we had a new center. Some of that might continue to change as we move forward. But we have good backs across the board that we feel real comfortable carrying the rock."

The Beavers are led by Damien Martinez, who averages 78.8 yards per game and has seven TDs, though he’s been on a roll recently as he’s rushed for more than 100 yards in five straight games, averaging 127.8 during that stretch.

"Tackling is going to be really important in this game,” Lanning said. “… They have more rushing attempts than anybody else in the conference, game in and game out, and they do a good job of running the ball. They're committed to it. And they're able to find extra hats at the point of attack. So we're gonna have to have some guys win some one on ones and then do a great job tackling when they get the opportunity."

Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com. 

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No. 9 Oregon at No. 21 Oregon State

12:30 p.m. Saturday at Reser Stadium, Corvallis. TV: ABC. Radio: KUJZ-FM (95.3), Sirius (133), XM (197)

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 3 keys to victory for Oregon Ducks against Oregon State Beavers