Byron Marshall is one of Oregon's explosive weapons in addition to Marcus Mariota. (Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports)
Oregon versus Florida State Unit Breakdown
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota sounds great, but in a battle for efficiency this season, it’s no contest. Winston (17 interceptions) is much more likely to do something damaging to his own team than Mariota (two INTs). Bottom line: It’s Mariota’s year, and this is the matchup edge that will really matter.
EDGE: Oregon
Running Backs
Oregon true freshman Royce Freeman has bashed his way to 1,299 rushing yards, picking up steam and more responsibility late in the season. True freshman Dalvin Cook has been the spark FSU’s run game needed, showing his explosiveness with 177 yards in the ACC title game. Each team has other excellent options, too.
EDGE: Even
Receivers / Tight Ends
Oregon has developed receiving weapons throughout the season, with converted RB Byron Marshall leading the way, and Devon Allen, Dwayne Stanford and Darren Carrington stepping up at various times. FSU lacks the depth it had last season, but Rashad Greene will be the best receiver on the field, and Nick O’Leary , by far, the best tight end.
EDGE: FSU
Offensive Line
Oregon began the season with one of the most veteran and best – at least on paper – offensive lines in the country. Injuries caused a season-long scramble, although LT Jake Fisher is a rock and (if healthy) C Hroniss Grasu is too. FSU front hasn’t been as dominant as expected, but it still has the superior talent.
EDGE: FSU
Defensive Line
The Ducks have a physical freak in defensive end Arik Armstead and a second-team All-Pac-12 performer in DeForest Buckner, the team’s other end. The due has combined for 17.5 tackles for loss. The guy who has pro scouts drooling the most, though, is FSU DT Eddie Goldman. But will Oregon neutralize him with one of the best outside running attacks in the nation?
EDGE: Even
Linebackers
Both teams have terrific athletes in hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end roles – Oregon with Tony Washington (10 TFLs, five sacks, two forced fumbles). Neither team really counts this area as a major strength, but the Ducks are better here than you might think.
EDGE: Oregon
Secondary
The Ducks had two standout corners in Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Troy Hill, who will be aggressive against interception-prone Winston, but Ekpre-Olomu is out due to a knee injury, which is a big blow to the Ducks defense. FSU’s talent abounds, though, with corners P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby and safety/STAR Jalen Ramsey in a do-everything nickel back role. You probably won’t find a better collection of confident DBs in any bowl.
EDGE: FSU
Special Teams
If it’s a battle of field goals, FSU wins. Easy! PK Roberto Aguayo has been the best over the past two years making 46 of 49 field goal attempts. Oregon’s Aidan Schneider (8 of 9) and Matt Wogan (7 of 9) have split time, but neither has an attempt longer than 42 yards. Edge to the Ducks on returns.
EDGE: FSU
Lindy’s Sports Staff Picks
Lindy Davis: Oregon 44, Florida State 33
Matt Lowe: Florida State 41, Oregon 38
Lyn Scarbrough: Oregon 34, Florida State 28
Anthony Gimino: Oregon 31, Florida State 30
