Fiesta Bowl 2013 Live Updates: Oregon vs. Kansas State

LIVE: Fiesta Bowl
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: De'Anthony Thomas #6 of the Oregon Ducks is hoisted up by teammates after a touchdown catch in the 2nd quarter against the Oregon State Beavers during the 115th Civil War on November 26, 2011 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: De'Anthony Thomas #6 of the Oregon Ducks is hoisted up by teammates after a touchdown catch in the 2nd quarter against the Oregon State Beavers during the 115th Civil War on November 26, 2011 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Less than a month ago, Oregon and Kansas State seemed on track for a matchup in Miami. But a disappointing loss for each team sent them to the desert instead. While supporters in Eugene and the Little Apple may lament the missed opportunities, neutral football fans are delighted to see such a marquee Fiesta Bowl matchup in a bowl season that has delivered too few games of this caliber.

"This game could have been for the national championship," Oregon linebacker Boseko Lokombo told reporters ahead of the game. "A couple weeks ago, that's where we were both headed."

The 11-1 Oregon Ducks take on the 11-1 Kansas State Wildcats in Phoenix, Ariz. and it's not just their records -- and the timing of their losses -- that are similar. Both teams have impressive offenses which include a Heisman contender (although only Kansas State's guy was invited to New York). Oregon averages 50.8 points per game. Kansas State averages 40.7. Oregon allows 22 points scored per game. Kansas State allows an average of 21.1.

While Oregon has plenty of dynamic playmakers on offense in Marcus Mariota and Kenjon Barner, Kansas State has powerful dual-threat quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein. The senior out of Loveland, Colo. threw for 15 touchdowns, while running for 22 and racking up 3,380 total yards.

On the other side of the field, there's clearly a reason why Ducks coach Chip Kelly has garnered so much interest from NFL teams over the last few years. For the third straight year, Oregon's offense is in the top three in the nation in points scored per game. This year, the Ducks finished fourth in total yards per game, second in rushing yards per game and second in total points scored.

Will Kelly be able to put the swirling NFL rumors aside and lead his Ducks to a second straight BCS bowl win? Or will Klein and the Wildcats pull off the upset?

Scroll down for live updates.

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