USF To Meet Oregon In Sun Bowl

Ducks and Bulls collide in Brut Sun Bowl

Dec. 2, 2007

From Sun Bowl

EL PASO, Texas (www.sunbowl.org) - The University of Oregon has accepted an invitation to play in the 74th annual Brut Sun Bowl, announced Sun Bowl Association football committee chairman John H. Folmer. The game will pit BCS No. 21 University of South Florida against the Ducks on Monday, Dec. 31 at noon (MT) at Sun Bowl Stadium.

"We are truly excited about having the opportunity to host the University of Oregon," said John H. Folmer. "The opportunity to have two former No.2's in the Brut Sun Bowl was something that we could not pass up on. It truly is an exciting storyline that I think fans nationwide would be interested in seeing on CBS."

Oregon (8-4, 5-4 Pac-10) was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation after starting the season 6-1. The Ducks have wins over five bowl-bound teams, including Michigan, USC and Arizona State.

The Ducks will be playing another former No. 2 in USF (9-3, 4-3 Big East), who started the season 6-0 and have wins over five bowl-bound teams as well, including Auburn and West Virginia.

This is the fourth appearance in the Brut Sun Bowl for Oregon, who last appeared in El Paso in 2003. The Ducks were also in 1999 and 1963 editions of the game.

This marks the 11th bowl appearance in 13 years under head coach Mike Belotti, who is making his third Sun Bowl appearance, joining an elite group that includes Fred Akers (Texas), Mike Brumbelow (UTEP), Vince Dooley (Georgia), Hayden Fry (SMU and Iowa), Johnny Majors (Iowa State, Pittsburgh and Tennessee) and Joe Tiller (Purdue).

The Ducks currently rank 12th in the nation in total offense, averaging 462.1 yards per game. The Ducks are eighth nationally in rushing. Leading the Oregon attack is the nation's 10th leading rusher - Jonathan Stewart. The 5-11 junior has amassed a school-record 1,469 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns.

The 74th Annual Brut Sun Bowl is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST). CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 40th consecutive year, which is the longest running partnership between a network and a bowl game. Ticket prices for the game are $15, $20, $30, $40, $50, and $60. Tickets can be purchased at the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416, 800-915-2695 or ticket@sunbowl.org), online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any TicketMaster outlet.

Oregon State...................... Per Game Averages....................................... USF

28.42......................................... Scoring Offense.......................................... 35.83

23.33........................................ Scoring Defense.......................................... 20.67

166.58....................................... Rushing Offense........................................ 193.08

204.08....................................... Passing Offense........................................ 228.50

370.67......................................... Total Offense.......................................... 421.58

74.92........................................ Rushing Defense........................................ 112.00

238.08....................................... Passing Defense........................................ 214.75

313.00........................................ Total Defense.......................................... 326.75