Cougars-Ducks matchups

Breaking down today's Las Vegas Bowl between BYU and Oregon:

BYU RUSHING OFFENSE VS. OREGON RUSHING DEFENSE

The Cougars traditionally struggle rushing the ball against Pac-10 opponents. BYU gained only 24 yards against Arizona in the season-opener and 94 last year against California in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks yield almost 150 yards per game on the ground, but the Cougars need to prove they can move the ball on the ground against a Pac-10 foe.

Edge: Oregon

BYU PASSING OFFENSE VS. OREGON PASSING DEFENSE

This is strength vs. strength. It's the Mountain West's top passing offense against the Pac-10's top passing defense. The difference could be the experience of senior Cougar quarterback John Beck, who will face an athletic but young secondary. Beck has enough weapons in his arsenal to move the ball and score points.

Edge: BYU

OREGON RUSHING OFFENSE VS. BYU RUSHING DEFENSE

The Ducks are the Pac-10's top rushing team thanks to a pair of outstanding backs, Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson. Oregon will rely heavily on its ground attack to eat up the clock and wear down BYU's defense. The Cougars haven't seen two backs this good all year.

Edge: Oregon

OREGON PASSING OFFENSE VS. BYU PASSING DEFENSE

While the Cougars have been solid in the secondary most of the season, they are thin at cornerback due to injuries to Ben Criddle and Kayle Buchanan. Oregon's quarterbacks have struggled with consistency and turnovers this year, but they have tall, athletic receivers who are proven playmakers.

Edge: Oregon

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams have had their fair share of adventures this year on special teams. A botched field goal attempt cost the Cougars in their season-opener against Arizona and a botched field goal attempt cost the Ducks in their season-finale against Oregon State. The team that is most consistent in the special teams phase tonight could win the game.

Edge: Even