Civil War Week: Keys To The Game - Ducks

Many fans and writers around the country were beginning to write the Oregon Ducks off back in Spring with the series arrests, suspensions and dismissals brought unwanted national attention to Eugene. Now nearing the end of the college football season, the Ducks are one win away from playing for the National Championship. With a point-a-minute offense and an underrated defense, Oregon must win in Corvallis to secure a place in the title game. Here are their keys to success.

• Shake off the slow starts. In their five road games this season, the Ducks have given their opponents glimmers of hope in each game before being able to pull away (or in the case of the Cal game, sneak away) with a victory. Going into their most hostile environment of the year against a Jekyl and Hyde squad like Oregon State, another slow start is the last thing the Ducks want to try to wade through again. As the Beavers showed two weeks ago against USC, when they have any type of momentum they are a formidable team. However, if the Ducks can finally jump on a team away from Autzen, the Beavers could be packing up and thinking about 2011 by halftime.

• Shut down Quizz. The OSU offensive line has had trouble making holes for Jacquizz Rodgers most of the year, and going against a quick and disruptive defensive front like the Ducks will be a tough task. If Oregon can consistently blow up plays in the backfield and force Ryan Katz to beat them through the air, their offense can get back on the field more frequently and wear out a thin Beaver defense.

• Focus on the task at hand. It seems kind of absurd to not take the Civil War seriously, but with the ultimate prize just 60 minutes away and playing against an inferior opponent, human nature could sneak in and have players looking ahead just a little bit. Many fans and writers are writing off the Beavers, and if any of the members of the team do the same they are in for a long game. OSU essentially only has pride to play for, and unlike the last two seasons have no pressure on their side. While the Ducks have shown all year that they can focus and close out games, one miscue or head in the clouds could ruin their dream season.

On paper the game doesn't appear to be too close a match up, but in a rivalry game you can throw the records out. If the offense can get off to a hot start and rattle a fragile quarter back across the field, the Ducks should be in good shape to play in Glendale a week from New Year's.