This bowl is going to be a hell of a game for sure. Two high powered offenses facing off in the first big matchup of the bowl season.

To be honest, my first inclination is to pick BYU. The Cougars’ passing game is certainly cause for concern, but I don’t think I am giving the Oregon State defense enough credit. Prior to the Civil War game, the Beavers hadn’t given up more than 21 points since their loss to USC. In that same Civil War game, they played exception well against an Oregon team that I believe would shred the BYU defense.

All signs are point towards a very close game. Everyone knows BYU passing game is on point, but it may have escaped the minds of some people that the Cougars do have a 1,000 yard rusher. Harvey Unga is quietly had his third 1,000 yard season on this pass happy team. He’s a 240-pounder who could pose some problems for the Beavers in the same way LaGarrette Blount did when he was inserted into the Civil War game.

On the other sideline is the exceedingly impressive Oregon State offense. Sean Canfield is playing the best football of his life. If you shut down his No. 1 target James Rodgers, there’s always the other Rodgers brother, Jacquizz, to contend with.

Come game time, both defenses will struggle to contend with all the weapons the opposing offenses throw their way. We’re likely to see a lot of lead changes and a fairly high score. In the end the Beavs will have just a little more than BYU.

Oregon State Wins 35-31