Pac-12 Championship 2013: Comparing Stanford and Arizona State's Playmakers

The Pac-12 Championship Game features a rematch from September 21st of this year when the Stanford Cardinal defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils by a score of 42-28. However, these teams have progressed throughout the season, as both currently boast 10-2 records.

The earlier matchup between these two teams was played in Stanford, while the upcoming contest will be played in Tempe.

Both of these teams feature high-powered offenses. Stanford relies heavily on its running game, and Arizona State is a pass-heavy team. Each scheme is very effective, which should lead to a great matchup on Saturday.

Let's compare several offensive playmakers from each team to see how they stack up against each other for this impending contest.

Kevin Hogan vs. Taylor Kelly

Both of these quarterbacks have been able to find success in their respective offenses so far in 2013. Arizona State's pass-happy offense features Kelly heavily, while Stanford tends to keep the ball on the ground, using Hogan sparingly.

The two different dynamics of these offenses show up clearly when looking at the season-long production of these quarterbacks:

	Comp %	Yards	TDs	INTs	Rating
Hogan	61.0	2,210	19	9	149.9
Kelly	62.6	3,337	27	11	143.3

Even though Kelly has been asked to do more in his offense this season, both quarterbacks have maintained the same level of efficiency, as indicated by their passer ratings.

Stanford seems to have a more balanced offensive attack; however, Kelly and Arizona State's offense have been very effective as a pass-first unit.

Tyler Gaffney vs. Marion Grice

The comparison for these running backs is relatively similar to the aforementioned comparison of quarterbacks. Gaffney has been absolutely tremendous this season. He has been the workhorse of the Cardinal offense and continues to produce despite his heavy workload.

Grice, on the other hand, has had a fine season despite his lack of carries. Due to the high-octane passing attack of Arizona State, Grice is not featured as heavily as Gaffney in his respective system. That becomes apparent when looking at what each player has accomplished so far this season:

	Carries	Yards	YPC	TDs
Gaffney	284	1,485	5.2	17
Grice	191	996	5.2	14

Each of these players flourished in his offensive scheme this season. Their production is quite similar despite the difference in touches, as both are averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

Both Gaffney and Grice will continue to see a good amount of work on Saturday when these teams face off.

Ty Montgomery vs. Jaelen Strong

Another similarity between both of these teams is that each offense features a true No. 1 wide receiver. When looking at the offensive depth charts for both squads, there is a severe drop-off in production from what Montgomery and Strong have been able to do versus these teams' other receivers.

Again, there are plenty of similarities between both of these receivers, and it shows when looking over their offensive output throughout 2013:

	Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
Montgomery	53	868	16.4	9
Strong	69	1,067	15.5	7

Both of these receivers have been able to produce on similar levels. Less than one yard separates their average yards per reception. Montgomery has been able to connect for more touchdown receptions, but Strong has been targeted more often, which has allowed him to surpass the 1,000-yard mark this season.

Like both aforementioned matchups, this one remains very even.

Each of these teams seems to be able to counteract its opponent's playmakers with its own. This will certainly lead to a very exciting contest on Saturday.