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Oregon State one win from Rose Bowl

Nov 29, 2008 - 12:10 PM (18) Oregon (8-3) at (17) Oregon State (8-3) 7:00 pm EST

CORVALLIS, Oregon (Ticker) -- For Oregon State, this year's "Civil War" game takes on even greater significance.

The 17th-ranked Beavers look to end a 44-year Rose Bowl drought Saturday when they host No. 18 Oregon amid what promises to be a raucous atmosphere at Reser Stadium.

With a win, Oregon State (8-3, 7-1 Pac-10) will book its first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1965 and set up a rematch with Penn State.

The Beavers fell to 0-2 with a 45-14 loss in Happy Valley on September 6, but have rebounded to win eight of their last nine contests.

Oregon State also is looking to end Southern California's six-year stranglehold as Pac-10 champions.

While the Trojans could still gain a share of the title even with an Oregon State win on Saturday, the Beavers would secure the automatic BSC berth based on their 27-21 victory over USC on September 25.

Saturday marks the first time both teams have been ranked entering the "Civil War" contest since 2000, when Oregon State was eighth and Oregon fifth.

"It's come down to this, and it couldn't be a better setting for our state," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. "Two really good teams playing, and it's all on the line. Pretty exciting for anyone who likes the Beavers or Ducks right now."

Oregon (8-3, 6-2) is out of Rose Bowl contention, though it conceivably could share the Pac-10 crown if UCLA beats USC next week.

In any event, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti doesn't like to think of his team as an underdog.

"There's as much at stake in this game for us, and we have to perceive it that way," Bellotti said. "They can't be any hungrier or want it any more than we do."

Oregon State kept alive its dream with an improbable 19-17 victory at Arizona. Justin Kahut, who missed a potential game-tying extra point with 3:58 remained, booted a 24-yard field goal as time expired.

However, the Beavers likely will play Saturday's contest without Jacquizz Rodgers, the Pac-10's leading rusher who suffered a shoulder injury on Oregon State's second possession last week.

Rodgers, who had his arm in a sling Sunday, has been listed as "very doubtful" for the contest.

Oregon State quarterback Lyle Moevao, who has missed two of the last three games, may be ready to return from a shoulder injury.

Sean Canfield passed for 224 yards and a touchdown at Arizona, improving to 3-0 in relief of Moevao this season.

Oregon has won four of its last five games, including a 55-45 victory against Arizona on November 15. Jeremiah Masoli completed 21-of-26 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns.