Rose Bowl 2015: Breaking Down Biggest X-Factors in Oregon vs. Florida State

It's not always the most high-profile players who decide a team's fate in a big game.

While most college football fans can name Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, some key plays by lesser-known contributors could end up making the difference in the big game between Oregon and Florida State.

Regardless of what we have seen from these teams during the year, the Rose Bowl is going to be extremely competitive from start to finish. The winner will be the squad that gets big-time performances from these X-factors.

Charles Nelson, WR, Oregon

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Oregon has plenty of playmakers on offense between Mariota, Royce Freeman, Byron Marshall and others. Even with all these players, however, Charles Nelson is someone you cannot forget about if you're the opposing team.

The receiver is coming off a huge week where he put up stats in various categories in the Pac-12 Championship Game:

He only has a total of 17 catches on the year, but he turned five of those into touchdowns, as he is always a threat to score whenever he has the ball. Still, his biggest impact is on special teams, where he has scored two touchdowns on punt returns while averaging 15.5 yards per return.

“I’ve never seen a freshman make an impact on special teams—ever—in the way he has made," wide receivers coach Matt Lubick recently explained to Chantel Jennings of ESPN.com.

Whether he is getting touches as a running back, receiver or returner, Nelson has a chance to score on any play, and he could really impact this game.

DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon

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There might not be many more talented defensive linemen in the nation, but the problem with DeForest Buckner has been inconsistency. 

Bryan Fischer of NFL.com saw this problem during the win over Arizona:

The good news is he can still impact the game with his ability to get into the backfield. He only has four sacks on the year, but he leads the team with 12 tackles for a loss. Even when he doesn't make a stop, he can still disrupt the play with his penetration.

Of course, Buckner will be in for a tough challenge against a quality Florida State offensive line. The key will be for him to be aggressive on each play and force his way into the action.

The Seminoles can score points, but they will be limited offensively if the defensive lineman can put pressure on Winston as often as possible.

Nick O'Leary, TE, Florida State

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Rashad Greene is Florida State's most talented receiver, but Winston's most consistent option is probably tight end Nick O'Leary.

The Mackey Award winner as the best tight end in the country is as safe as they come when you need someone to make a big play. Brendan Sonnone of the Orlando Sentinel saw this in the ACC Championship Game:

On the downside, O'Leary has not been targeted as often as he should be, failing to reach five catches in a game since late October.

If Florida State is going to move the ball consistently against Oregon, the senior will have to have a bigger role everywhere on the field and not just near the end zone.

Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

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Although it's hard to call Jalen Ramsey an X-factor as one of the team's most talented players, the reality is this is the best description for a player who does it all for Florida State.

The defensive back fills up the stat sheet in just about every category, finishing the regular season with 75 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. 

Matt Brown of Sports on Earth explained why the sophomore deserved consideration for the Heisman Trophy:

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Ramsey is one of the most valuable players in college football because of his ability as a Swiss Army knife in the Florida State defense. The Seminoles have more holes than they had last year, with significant depth issues up front, but someone like Ramsey can do it all, moving all around the formation. He's physical against the run. He can line up as a stand-up edge rusher. He can roam the middle of the field as a safety. He can play cornerback.

"

He might not have a true position, but he is someone who is going to have a major impact if Florida State is going to win this game.

Although Ramsey cannot be expected to cover the entire field against Oregon, he will have to be all over the place in order to slow down the opposing offense.

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