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The Oregon State Beavers fans better hope the squad plays one heck of a game on Saturday as the odds are decidedly against them. Oregon State and the Oregon Ducks will face off in a Pac-12 battle at 4 p.m. ET at Autzen Stadium. Both teams might be coming in a bit winded after having run the length of the field multiple times in their most recent games (Oregon State picked up 597 yards, Oregon 450).
It's always hard to lose, and it's even harder to lose by a single point. Just ask the Beavers, the unfortunate recipient of a 54-53 defeat at the hands of the Washington State Cougars last week. Oregon State might have lost, but man -- RB Jermar Jefferson was a total machine. He rushed for 132 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. One of the most memorable plays of the game was Jefferson's 54-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter.
Oregon State's defense was a force to be reckoned with, and it collected three interceptions and two fumbles. Those interceptions were spread across their defensive unit.
Oregon suffered a bitter loss, failing to capitalize on an early lead against the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Ducks fell just short of ASU by a score of 31-28. The Ducks got a solid performance out of WR Johnny Johnson III, who caught ten passes for 207 yards and two TDs; unfortunately, it just wasn't enough for the victory. That receiving effort made it the first game that Johnson III has posted more than 100 yards receiving.
Having both suffered close losses, both of these teams will no doubt be fighting for every inch to win this one. A pair of stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: The Beavers enter the contest with only four interceptions, good for eighth best in the nation. But the Ducks enter the matchup having picked the ball off 17 times, good for first in the nation. We'll see which of these strengths -- offense or defense -- will win out.
