Why the OSU Beavers Will Win the Sun Bowl

All signs point to the Beavers having a tough game against Pitt in the Sun Bowl. Since Quizz and James Rodgers aren't playing, who account for 50% of our offense, how can we get it done? Did the Beavs get exposed against Oregon?

Here's why the Beavers will win.

1. The Defense. The defense must be angry about the Duck game. They will want to prove they are better than they showed in that game. Plus, Pitt isn't the offense powerhouse that UO seemed to be in that game. And they don't play the spread.

If the Beavs can stop McCoy from running wild and force Pitt to throw, then I'm not sure Bill Stull can lead them to victory alone. Their receiving core is a mish-mash and Stull has thrown for under 200 yards passing in 4 of his games this season. He is not mobile so Butler and Norris can pin their ears back and come hard. And he has 9 interceptions to go with his 9 TDs.

2. QB/TE/RB play. The running game could be a struggle. But I think the bulliten board material from Pitt should give the O-Line extra motivation to open up holes.
However, I think that will mean more passes to tight ends and RBs on screen plays, seam routes, and swing routes. It might start to look like the Insight Bowl out there. And we have the TEs to do it.

If the offense can get ahead early and force the clock to become somewhat of a factor, then Pitt will have to throw. We can't shorten the game by running every other play like we could with Quizz. Generally, that's bad because it gives offenses more chances to score on us (Oregon, Penn St., Stanford). But I think in this case, I'm not sure Pitt can throw like all of those other teams. Its hard to come back when you're running the ball.

3. Sammy Stroughter. He's the last big star player left on the offense that isn't on the line or at QB. If he could return a punt or a long TD. That would help a ton. Maybe a fly sweep? Its his last game and he could go out on top if he has a great game.


If the defense and QBs are solid, I think we win. Ultimately, it will probably be the team who makes the fewest mistakes who wins. No missed tackles, bad penatlies, or turnovers. It will be a tough game, but I think Mike and the crew can game plan to win this thing. Plus, with James and Quizz out, Pitt won't really know what to game plan for defensively. The Beavs haven't played without either in 2 years. Hopefully, that can give some element of surprise and the Beavs can take advantage.

Go Beavs! Beat the Panthers!