Oregon vs. Oregon State: Ducks Offense Will Explode in Civil War Rivalry

After suffering the ultimate letdown in last Saturday's loss to Stanford, the Oregon Ducks and their high-octane offense are ready to explode in the Civil War rivalry with the Oregon State Beavers.

The biggest problem the Ducks encountered against the Cardinal was that they were dominated in time of possession. Stanford held the ball for just over 37 minutes, and Oregon Heisman hopeful RB Kenjon Barner was shut down for just 66 yards on 21 carries by the nation's No. 2 rush defense.

Although the Beavers sport one of the better units against the run in the country, they will be no match even at home for Chip Kelly's relentless, up-tempo attack.

Barner will be looking to vault back into the Heisman picture, and redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota will be able to provide enough balance through the air to keep Oregon State honest.

One of the quieter success stories of the 2012 college football season, Mariota entered the Stanford game as the nation's most efficient passer. While that is no longer the case, it still does not take away from the phenomenal campaign he has had.

For the past four years, the Ducks have dominated this rivalry no matter the circumstances, and adding more fuel to the fire will be the dashing of national championship hopes. If that's not enough to get up for a rivalry game, it's difficult to fathom what would be.

The Beavers don't present as balanced of an attack as Stanford did and will thus struggle to keep the ball away from Oregon as effectively.

Beavers QB Sean Mannion just threw four TDs against Cal in Week 12 but has proven to be erratic at times, registering games of three and four interceptions. As suspect as the Ducks have been against the pass at times, Oregon State is definitely more of a one-dimensional offense that isn't nearly as physical as the test the Ducks encountered last week.

Oregon State may rack up some yards through the air, but the absence of a viable running game and the spotty decision-making of Mannion will make life difficult for the host team in Reser Stadium.

Particularly if the Ducks can establish the running game early—and they should—it will become an even more one-dimensional Beavers offense, which lends itself well to Mannion forcing some throws and making mistakes. That should set up short fields and lots of flexibility for the Ducks in terms of offensive play calling.

The dual-threat ability of Mariota should be the deciding factor in this one, as it's something that the Beavers haven't really had to deal with all year long.

Between his ability and Barner's explosiveness, it will be tough sledding for the Beavers to snap their slump in the battle for the Platypus Trophy.