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This game features one of the better storylines out there, as far as the bowl games are concerned. BYU's personnel so well; the tendencies of his former defensive coordinator and current Cougars head coach, Bronco Mendenhall. Whether Crowton's knowledge of BYU's system is enough to help the slumping Ducks get their first victory after three consecutive losses is another thing altogether.

Here is a look at both teams and the match-up:

BYU Cougars (10-2)

The Cougars pro-style spread offense is downright explosive. In fact, there are only five Division I-A teams that average more points per game than the Cougars and only three teams that average more passing yards per game. QB John Beck, the Mountain West offensive player of the year has reduced his interceptions from 13 to six this season. He also completed more than 70 percent of his passes and finished among the country's top 10 in passing yardage (3,510) and touchdown passes (30).

Beck makes wise decisions and gets rid of the ball quickly, making him the perfect quarterback for this type of system. TE Jonny Harline has good size and athletic ability, making him an effective red zone target, and the Cougars receivers as a whole have done an excellent job all season. Running back Curtis Brown gives the offense great balance; he is also the Cougars' leading receiver.

Defensively, the Cougars have stumbled down the stretch, although they have done a good job of keeping opponents out of the end zone. BYU runs a 3-4 defense and allows talented linebacker Cameron Jensen to make plays all over the field. Safety Dustin Gabriel is a big hitter and does especially well in run support.

Oregon Ducks (7-5)

Although the Ducks ended the regular season with three consecutive losses, it still has one of the most potent ground games in the nation. Running back Jonathan Stewart has provided some stability for the Ducks offense by rushing for 960 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

QB Dennis Dixon is accurate and a dangerous open field runner, but he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and head coach Mike Bellotti replaced him with Brady Leaf, who is more of a pocket passer. Though Leaf played fairly well, it's unknown who will start this game, which is never a good sign for a team. No matter who is taking the snaps, Oregon needs to get the ball into the hands of WR Jaison Williams, their athletic playmaker.

Oregon's defense can get to opposing quarterbacks in passing situations and defensive lineman Jairus Byrd is definitely a playmaker. However, the Ducks have had their share of problems stopping the run this season and, making matters worse, LB Blair Phillips, who leads the team in tackles, will likely miss this game because of a knee injury. The Ducks have also been one of the most penalized teams in the nation.

The line: BYU -3 Over/Under 62

On paper, it looks like BYU will win this game handily. However, the Ducks did finish with the best pass defense in the Pac-10, allowing only 156.7 yards per game. Still, their unsettled quarterback situation, when combined with their untimely ability to turn the ball over at exactly the most inopportune time, should scare away anyone thinking of taking them in this game. Take Beck and BYU to win this game and cover outright.

As far as the over/under is concerned, this is a pretty high line. Sure, both of these teams could easily combine to score 62-plus, but it is not an attractive line. If forced to make a decision, the over looks quite tempting, but not good enough to take with money on the line.

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Eric Williams is a sports columnist for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun and nationally syndicated freelance writer. Contact Eric at eklass66@yahoo.com.