The Sports Corner

2008 Sun Bowl Preview

Oregon State 8-4 (7-2) vs. Pittsburgh 9-3 (5-2)

Wednesday, December 31, 11 a.m. PST.

Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas.

Pac 10 #3 vs. Big East #2

Coaches: Mike Riley (55-42) vs. Dave Wannstedt (25-22)

Quarterbacks: Lyle Moevao vs. Bill Stull

The line: OR ST -3

Payout: $2.25 million

Really this one should read, Jacquizz Rodgers vs. LeSean McCoy, because without those two, neither of these teams are bowling. Oregon State proved that in the Civil War game against Oregon. Rodgers didn’t play because of a strained right shoulder and the Beavers got stomped 65-38. Rodgers’ status’ is still uncertain for the Sun Bowl. McCoy has been healthy all year. And in case you hadn’t heard, he’s been 1,403 yards and 21 TDs healthy. Yeah, that’s healthy.

Oh and he caught 31 balls, making him the second leading receiver on the team. If that all doesn’t scream first round pick, I don’t know what does. But McCoy doesn’t think he’s ready. Well LeSean, would $20 million, guaranteed change your mind?

This game will be won in the trenches. If Rodgers isn’t healthy enough to play, the Beavers don’t have enough offensively to keep up with the McCoys (especially with Jacquizz’ older brother James out of the lineup with a broken collarbone, their second leading rusher and receiver). 

If Rodgers is healthy, and I mean 1,253 yards and 11 TDs healthy, not playing through the pain healthy, the two runners will give fans reason to tune in. 

The loss of James Rodgers is bigger than it sounds. He played an integral role in the offense. Those of you that saw the USC-upset this year know how effective their fly-sweep play is. Without the Rodgers brothers in the game, the onus is on QB Lyle Moevao and WR Sammie Stroughter. There is some hope there, Stroughter is a big-play guy and an exceptional punt returner. Moevao is maddeningly inconsistent. 

There may not be many Pitt fans at this game so if there’s one thing the Beavers have going for them it’s a partisan crowd in El-Paso. If Quiz isn’t playing, it won’t be enough. 

Oregon State wins but doesn’t cover with Quiz, 37-34, they lose without him, 28-10.