TONIGHT’S BOWL GAME

BYU vs. Oregon

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

Time: 5 p.m. PST, ESPN

Records: BYU 10-2, Oregon 7-5

Key stats: BYU is fourth in the nation in pass offense (319.3 ypg). Oregon is 10th in the nation in pass defense (156.7 ypg).

The game: BYU enters on a nine-game winning streak; Oregon has lost three in a row and four of six. BYU QB John Beck (292.5 ypg, 30 TDs, six picks, 70.1 completion percentage) has had a great season, and he has numerous weapons to work with, most notably stud TE Jonny Harline (49 catches, 11 TDs). The defense is so-so, and the athletic Ducks are going to cause some problems.

Oregon must run effectively to win, and in TBs Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson (a combined 1,563 yards and 20 TDs) – not to mention a big, physical offensive line – the Ducks have the ability to control the ball and the clock. QB Dennis Dixon has been erratic, and Brady Leaf – Ryan’s brother – may see time. The Ducks have allowed just three teams to pass for more than 200 yards, and nobody has thrown for more than 255. Look for Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti to be creative to get pressure on Beck. The Ducks’ best pass rusher is DE Darius Sanders (nine sacks). One subplot: Oregon’s offensive coordinator is Gary Crowton, who was fired as BYU’s coach after the 2004 season.

–Orlando Sentinel