The Defensive Line: Kenny Rowe, Brandon Bair and Company

Best games:

Bair, UCLA 8 tackles, 1 tfl WSU, 7 tackles, 3.5 tfl

Rowe, UCLA 6 tackles, 1 sack, forced fumble ASU 6 tackles, fumble recovery USC 4 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2 tackles for loss

Worst Games:

Bair, Cal, 0 tackles Rowe, OSU, 1 assist

Defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro needs these two to be relentless, pursuing and disruptive against Cam Newton and Auburn on January 10th. The line has to maintain the contain and keep Newton from creating outside the pocket. They have to wrap up and tackle him when they get their chances, accelerating through the stiff arm he loves to use to keep defenders off his long legs.

If the Ducks can bottle up the running game the way they did against USC, OSU and Arizona, it forces Newton to beat them through the air. Oregon's secondary will give some ground as they always do, but they should also be able to produce a couple of turnovers if Auburn has to rely more on the passing game. Newton's ball floats and flutters a bit. He's pickable, especially if the defensive front can get some pressure. Cliff Harris and John Boyett can do some damage contesting the football downfield, provided Newton doesn't have all day to scan and improvise.

Early in the game, a couple of key questions have to be answered. Can Rowe catch Newton with backside pursuit, maybe force a fumble? Can Bair get enough penetration inside to get his hands up and force a couple of tips or batted passes?

Last year at the Rose Bowl, Kenny Rowe had a breakout game with three sacks. Bair struggled with a couple of costly (questionable) facemask penalties, a problem he seems to have eliminated this season.

Pursuit and containment are critical. The Ducks don't want the Heisman trophy winner running loose. It will take discipline and tenaciousness from Oregon's defensive front line, including supporting cast members Zac Clark, Terrell Turner and Dion Jordan. The rotational players inside, Ricky Heimuli and Wade Keliikipi, have to play strong and agile against Auburn's big offensive line. They can't get stood up. They must force some second and third and longs, and get the Tigers' multiple offense in some negative situations.

Like Oregon, Auburn is a rhythm and tempo offense. A good game from the Ducks' defensive line can keep Gus Malzahn's potent attack from finding its best rhythm after the long layoff.

Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the Oregon photo store. Use the promo code Foot21 for a 21% discount on Oregon Duck framed and unframed photo art. Free shipping and Christmas delivery.