BCS Championship Awaits Oregon Ducks, Civil War Guarantees They Get There

One game is all that separates Oregon for the an appearance in the national title game. Tomorrow, the Ducks will take the field and face their in state rival, Oregon State.

The past two years this game has decided a Rose Bowl birth but this year there is so much more on the line. For the past two years, Oregon has held little brother down but a loss tomorrow would make the past two years a distant memory.

While rivalry games are always intense and anything can happen, the speed and talent Oregon puts on the field is too much for Oregon State. Here are some things you can expect to see on Saturday afternoon.

The Beat Goes On

Jeff Maehl has been a Civil War constant the last three years. In every game, Maehl has caught a touchdown pass and this year will be no different. Look for Maehl to continue to be the go to guy for Darron Thomas and he will not only extend his civil war streak but will also score in the tenth straight game this season.

LaMichael James Wins The Battle of The Backs

Last year the debate in the state of Oregon was which team had the better running back. In 2008, Jaquizz Rodgers set the freshman running record, only to have it broken a year later by Oregon's own LaMichael James.

This year, James has improved and has turned himself into one of the best backs in the nation. Look for James to end up with more yards then Rodgers and more scores.

The Ducks Will Be The More Penalized Team

One issue the Ducks have run into on the road, is the lack of discipline resulting in penalties. While I feel that the Ducks will keep their emotions in check, I still expect that they will rack up more penalty yards then the Beavers.

If the Ducks manage to play disciplined football, this could make for an extremely long day for the Beavers.

Josh Huff Goes For 50 and 50

Chip Kelly has been finding more and more ways to use the talents of freshman Josh Huff. Last week, Huff broke a 85 yard touchdown run on an option play. This week, Huff will continue to be used and will have over 50 yards receiving and rushing.

Darron Thomas Does Not Turn The Ball Over

Darron Thomas has continued to impress the nation and Duck fans with his poise and control of the offense. The only limiting factor for the Ducks this year has been their untimely turnovers.

This Saturday against the Beavers, Thomas will once again be in a hostile environment but look for him to control the pace and protect the ball.

The Ducks Defense Holds The Beavers to Under 20

If the Beavers cannot score early and often, they will be in big trouble. The problem they currently face is a Ducks defense that will load up to stop Jacquizz Rodgers and force Ryan Katz to beat them through the air.

Without brother James, Jacquizz will not be able to get going and the lack of balance on offense will allow the Ducks defense to dial up blitzes early and often.

Cliff Harris Finds The Endzone

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after he returned a punt for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

Throughout this year, Cliff Harris has been an emerging playmaker on both special teams and defense. Earlier this week, when talking about this rivalry, he referred to the Beavers as little brother and will back those words up on Saturday. Every week, Harris has a play that brings you to the edge of your seat and whether its on a punt return or interception, look for Harris to get into the endzone.

Ducks Win The Day

Simply put, there is too much speed and talent on the field for Oregon State to defend. Many of Oregon's games have remained close going to the half but come the third quarter, Oregon's speed and conditioning takes over and they are able to blow the game wide open.

While I do believe the Beavers will hang with the Ducks early, the speed of Oregon will just be too much. Look for Oregon to have the lead at the half and put some distance between the two early in the third. By the end of the game, Oregon will have finished the season 12-0 and will be heading to Arizona to play in the national championship.