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So it's come to this, in an unlikely year in the Pac-10, Oregon and Oregon State take their niche-y little Civil War national. At stake is no less than a trip to the Rose Bowl -- the first such time in Civil War history the winner will claim such a prize -- to play Big Ten champion Ohio State. Noisy Autzen Stadium is the setting, with underdog Oregon State looking for a piece of revenge after last year's 65-38 humiliation.Both offenses come in smoking -- Oregon's scored no fewer than 43 points in each of its last five games while Oregon State's averaged almost 37 in its last five. The similarities don't stop there, as both programs feature diminutive -- smurfy, even -- tailbacks driving the dynamic offenses. Oregon State's sophomore Jacquizz Rodgers has 1,313 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, Oregon's LaMichael James 1310 and 11 touchdowns of his own. Both have no problem doing the dirty work between the tackles but are masterful once they find some real estate. Fireworks are clearly in order.
Most impressive is that both schools surged while powerhouse USC faltered. The Ducks claimed a brutal 47-20 take-down of Troy on Halloween night, while USC escaped a furious fourth quarter rally in holding off the Beavers 42-36 in the Coliseum.
Both programs have followed through on less traditional models of success, pulling in off-the-radar players across their rosters. The explosive offenses claim the headlines but committed, arguably overachieving defenses have made the difference in victories that have separated them from the already solid middle of the Pac-10 to the brink of a championship.
Few foresaw this Thursday game being a headliner this late in the year, but what a setting it will be to show to America once again this year the strength of a rejuvenated Pac-10 and the unique intensity of their rivalry.
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