Michigan State vs Oregon 12/31/18 - Redbox Bowl - CFB Picks & Predictions

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert will get one more chance to impress NFL scouts when his team plays Michigan State in the Red Box Bowl. Herbert was injured in the last game, but will be good to go for this game, coaches said. Oregon (8-4) has the higher powered offense, averaging 37 points and holding teams to 27. Michigan State (7-5) holds teams to 18 points and is averaging 19.8 on offense.

Herbert passed for 2985 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year. The Ducks also have a good running game with CJ Verdell having rushed for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns. Travis Dye has rushed for 721 and four more scores. Dillon Mitchell has 1114 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, which more than double what any other receiver has. Michigan State has a stout defense, holding opponents to 81 yards rushing per game, and 230 yards passing. Oregon has been allowing 247 yards passing and 143 yards rushing.

The Spartans have struggled offensively this year. Freshman Rocky Lombardi has taken over at quarterback and has started the last two games. He has passed for 738 yards and three touchdowns. Brian Lewerke has played sparingly the last couple games, but he has passed for 1868 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions this year. Connor Heyward leads the rushing attack with 520 yards and five touchdowns.

Both teams played Arizona State this year, with Oregon winning a close one late and Michigan State losing a close one early in the season.