Background:
The two teams have never met.
Maryland is on a one game win streak
Oregon State is on a three game win streak, however, the last game was in double OT against the Dixon-less Ducks of Oregon
Maryland Advantages:
Maryland has opened up the playbooks recently, using the long ball more and incorparating a QB option game.
They've defeated two top 10 teams this season
A solid 28th in the nation in scoring defense
Maryland Disadvantages:
Despite marginal improvement in the latter part of the season, the offense is still 77th in the nation in scoring and 88th in yards per game.
They simply can not protect the quarterback
The Emerald Bowl in San Francisco is a very long distance from home in College Park.
Oregon State Advantages:
Yvenson Bernard is yet another talented dreadlocked RB for the Beavers, he has 12 TDs and 6 100-yard plus rushing games on the season.
Oregon State has been beastly on rush defense this season, second in the nation
They are a superb pass rushing team, which is all they need against this poor Maryland O.
Oregon State Disadvantages:
They are terrible in both the punting and the punt return game.
Most impressive win? Good question, is it Cal, Utah, Dennis Dixon-less Oregon. Not a very good resum'e.
Writer's Predictions:
okluschen: Oregon State. The Beavers have much more impressive stats, but the Terps have more impressive results, victory-wise. The key to this matchup is Maryland's offensive line (which can't protect the QB) against Oregon State's defensive pass rush (which can't stay away from the QB). I like the Beavers big in this bowl.
Zorgon: Oregon State. They may have a couple bad losses, but oh so many sizzlin' power wins. And Maryland is a pithy 6-6, 5th in the ACC, and has a bunch of terrible conference losses at that. That's all you need to know. Oregon State FTW!!!!
Jason Frost: TBA
Bottom Line: Oregon State 2, Maryland 0
