Oregon
(8-3 record; Mike Belotti, 4th year) |
Colorado
(7-4 record; Rick Neuheisel, 4th year) |
School's Bowl Record: 4-8
Coach's Bowl Record: 1-1
Last Bowl Appearance: Dec. 20, 1997 (Beat Air Force 41-13 in Las Vegas Bowl)
Record in Fiesta Bowl: First appearance |
School's Bowl Record: 9-12
Coach's Bowl Record: 2-0
Last Bowl Appearance: December 1996 (Beat Washington 33-21 in Holiday Bowl)
Record in Fiesta Bowl: 1-0 (Beat Fresno State 41-30 in 1993) |
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Offensive Stud |
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Akili Smith, QB, Sr. (191-325, 3,307 yards, 30 TDs, 7 INTs): Emerged from relative obscurity to become one of nation's best pocket passers, setting Pac-10 record for passing efficiency (170.4). |
Mike Moschetti, QB, Jr. (162-276, 2,104 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs): Junior college transfer is on the small side (6-feet) but is a fiery leader and superb athlete (played three years as a shortstop in Oakland A's organization).
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Defensive Stud |
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Chris Vandiver, LB, Sr. (87 tackles, 2 sacks, 11 TFLs): Undersized (213 pounds) inside 'backer regained starting position after barely playing in 1997, and led team in all three defensive categories.
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Hannibal Navies, LB, Sr. ((87 tackles): Preseason Butkus Award candidate played most of season with bad ankle, but still led team in tackles.
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Player to Watch |
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Damon Griffin, WR, Sr. (50 catches, 892 yards, 7 TDs): With deep threat Tony Hartley suspended and top rusher Reuben Droughns out with an injury, leading receiver Griffin becomes Smith's primary offensive option. Can he handle the inevitable double teams?
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Ben Kelly, CB/KR, So. (4 INTs): Also a terrific kick returner, ranking second nationally in 1997 (31.1 average) and sporting a 23.7 average this season.
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Key Stats |
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In six games before Droughns was injured (though he only played in five), the Ducks averaged 257.0 yards rushing; in five games since, that number is down to 83.0. Meanwhile, Smith's passing numbers have gone from 273.2 ypg to 333.6.
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Atypical No. 81 nationally in total offense (325.6 ypg). This game will be the 1,000th in Colorado football history; the Buffaloes are 600-363-36.
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Surprise Stat |
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Ducks have best pair of kickers in nation: Sr. P Josh Bidwell is No. 2 nationally with a 45.8-yard average, while Jr. PK Nate Villegas was nearly perfect -- 20-22 FG, 52-52 PAT.
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No. 4 nationally in pass-efficiency defense (91.9 opp. rating).
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1998 Turning Point |
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October 17 -- Dropped a heartbreaking 41-38 OT loss to UCLA and suffered even further when Droughns broke his leg.
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October 10 -- After opening 5-0, the Buffaloes played tough but lost to Kansas State 16-9, starting a second-half 2-4 skid.
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Key to Victory |
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Continue to put points on the board like they have been doing all year (No. 7 nationally, 39.1 ppg).
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Shut down Akili Smith, who has been on fire recently (423 ypg passing in last three games).
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Outlook |
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Two of Ducks' losses came in OT, the third was a waxing at 11-1 Arizona. So even without Droughns, the Ducks have been right in it. Colorado doesn't have enough to keep up.
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Buffs started strong against weak opposition, then showed true colors in meat of conference schedule. Unless Neuheisel has some tricks, this shouldn't be close.
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