Oregon and Oklahoma State Mean Points in Holiday Bowl

If you are looking to be entertained, it might make sense to plan Tuesday night watching a college bowl game where points will not be in short supply. Oregon comes in averaging 41.9 points per game and Oklahoma State is right behind them 41.6 points. Both schools offer splendid running games that total up yardage faster than a grocery store bill to feed a family of six and have capable running backs that can go the distance at a moments notice.

Oklahoma State (9-3, 8-3 ATS) may be favored by 2.5-points, but one of the most dangerous offenses in the country this side of Norman will invade San Diego. The Oregon Ducks (9-3, 6-6 ATS) are averaging 45 points per game in last five contests, with a running game totaling 281.6 yards per game during the same period. The Ducks have double-barreled duo in senior Jeremiah Johnson and junior LeGarrette Blount, who combined for 2,100 yards and 28 trips to the end zone. Oregon has covered five of last six as bowl underdogs.

Oklahoma State running proficiency isn’t far behind at 256 yards per game and 5.6 per carry. They utilize the talents of Kendall Hunter, who ran for over 1,500 yards along with a few other backs. Quarterback Zac Robinson is the one who runs the show, being a skilled runner and excellent thrower, good for 2,735 yards with 24 TDs and eight interceptions this season. Oklahoma State’s only fault this season was being in wrong division, matched up against Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech, all resulting in losses. The Cowboys off the Sooners loss are 7-2 ATS off a defeat and 4-1 against the number if they permitted 40 or more points.

This marks a unique return for Okie State coach Mike Gundy, who becomes the first person to play and coach in the Holiday Bowl. He’s looking forward to the experience. We’re very excited about heading to San Diego for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl,” Gundy said. “It was a tremendous experience for me as a player and I’m happy our team will get to enjoy San Diego and the festivities that surround a great bowl game. … We look forward to playing an excellent Oregon team.” Oklahoma State is just 1-4 ATS when favored by three or less points, but Robinson will be matched against the 108th ranked pass defense in the country.

Oregon’s coach Mike Bellotti knows what to expect, “Both of these teams run the ball really well,” Bellotti said. “But in the final analysis the team that plays the best defense in the game is going to win.” His team will look to exploit Cowboys defense which allowed 38.1 points per game against the six bowl teams they faced this season. Bellotti’s teams are on 10-2 ATS in non-conference action.

Oklahoma State is among your better bowl teams with 12-6 record and sporting outstanding 7-1-1 ATS mark as favorite. The Ducks are 5-3 ATS as dogs and 6-5 ATS under coach Bellotti. Big 12 favorites have failed to cover over 77 percent of the time in bowls against the Pac-10.
In the long history of this bowl, the favorite is 11-17 ATS, winning the last two. More often then not, the OVER has been the correct total, presently on a 5-3 run the last eight matchups. Keep an eye on this tidbit; Pac-10 underdogs have paid up 80 percent of the time in last 20 bowl games.

ESPN has coverage starting at 8 Eastern for this year’s Holiday Bowl.