The Kansas State Wildcats finished the regular season 11-1 and 8-1 in the Big 12. Kansas State had their title hopes derailed by Baylor back on November 17th. The Wildcats have lost four consecutive bowl games dating back to the 2002 Holiday Bowl during coach Bill Snyder’s first stint at the school. Kansas State averages 40.7 points and 41.2 yards with QB Collin Klein, who was third in the Heisman Trophy balloting, leading the way. Klein is a multipurpose threat with 2,490 yards and 15 passing touchdowns to go with 890 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. Junior RB John Hubert has rushed for 15 touchdowns to go with a team-high 892 rushing yards, while senior WR Chris Harper has a team-high 50 catches for 786 yards. The Kansas State defense allows only 99.3 rushing yards per game led by their big-time playmaker, senior LB Arthur Brown, the Big 12 Player of the Year. Junior FS Ty Zimmerman had five interceptions and senior DE Meshak Williams produced 8.5 sacks during the regular season. Senior CB Allen Chapman and Senior CB Nigel Malone also have five interceptions apiece. Kansas State has forced 31 turnovers, while the offense has only committed 10 miscues this season.

The Oregon Ducks finished the regular season with an 11-1 overall record and 8-1 in the Pac-12. Oregon had their title hopes derailed by Stanford on November 17th as well. Oregon could be playing their final game under Chip Kelly as rumors swirl that he is headed to the NFL. Oregon ranks second in scoring at 50.8 points and fourth in total offense at 550.1 yards while featuring star RB Kenjon Barner, who finished with 1,624 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Redshirt freshman QB Marcus Mariota has thrived under Kelly’s progressive system, completing 69.9% of his passes for 2,511 yards and 30 touchdowns. Sophomore RB De’Anthony Thomas had 16 total touchdowns, including 11 on the ground while complementing Barner. The Oregon defense allowed 22 points and 381.7 yards per game during the regular season. Senior DE Dion Jordan is the leader of the defense with 10.5 tackles for a loss. Junior DE Taylor Hart has a team-high eight sacks while sophomore CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has become a big playmaker in the secondary. Ekpre-Olomu is tied for the team lead with sophomore LB Kiko Alonso for most interceptions with four and also has forced six fumbles. Oregon leads the nation with 39 turnovers and the Ducks have returned four interceptions for touchdowns this season.

Kansas State is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 bowl games and 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games against a team with a winning record. Oregon is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.

This game should be high scoring as both teams have the ability to score fast and the defenses have the ability to force turnovers, creating short field opportunities. This may be one of the most intriguing bowl games in my opinion, so it should be a fun one to watch. I think this game will go back and forth with several lead changes, so I’ll take the points with the Wildcats.