For the second straight year, the Civil War has Rose Bowl implications for the Oregon State football team.

The scenario is similar from a year ago, yet different.

If the No. 16-ranked Beavers defeat No. 10 Oregon on Dec. 3 in Autzen Stadium, they go on to the New Year's Day game with a share of the Pacific-10 Conference title.

"You can't hide from it," coach Mike Riley said. "I just hope for our team's sake they can't get caught up with the ramifications. But it's cool. It's a unique situation. And it's all out there in front of you. Now it's up to us to make the most of it."

Riley changed his approach to game preparation by addressing the next game with the team Sunday. He usually waits until Tuesday of game week.

He also plans to implement some of the Oregon game plan this week during the bye and not wait until game week. The idea is so they can be as prepared as possible.

The Beavers could have gone to the Rose Bowl last year with a win in the Civil War, but they lost, tied the Ducks for second place and went to the Sun Bowl.

"It is similar, but different," linebacker Keaton Kristick said. "But we'll be ready this time."

Oregon played the spoiler last season and knocked off OSU in Reser Stadium. After winning six straight hard-fought games to reach the Civil War, there was nothing left in tank.

It was easy pickings for the Ducks in a 65-38 blowout.

The Beavers (8-3, 6-2) feel they are in the spoiler role this season. The Ducks (9-2, 7-1) have been on a tear through the conference and claimed at least a share of the Pac-10 championship.

A win in the Civil War for them gives the the title outright. They've been at the forefront of the Rose Bowl race ever since their beat down of Southern California on Oct. 31.

"We are just going to come underneath them," Kristick said. "No one expects us. We are stealthy."

Another change in roles comes in the schedule. The Ducks are coming off a double overtime victory at Arizona on Saturday.

Last year it was the Beavers who had to rally to beat the Wildcats on the road right right before the Civil War. The Ducks, however, get a bye week to recover while the Beavers didn't.

OSU has had it easy this season with the two worst teams in the conference as the latest opponents, beating Washington and Washington State.

The outcomes were determined early so the Beavers played their reserves in the fourth quarter. The starters are rested, but still sharp.

"You can tell a lot of guys have more confidence in ourselves," Kristick said as a difference from last year. "We've been through this, and we can learn from our mistakes."

The Beavers are also healthy going into the game. Last year star running back Jacquizz Rodgers was out with a shoulder injury and starting quarterback Lyle Moevao wasn't anywhere close to full strength.

He was playing with an injured throwing shoulder that needed extensive surgery in the offseason.

Rodgers has improved from his conference player of the year season as a freshman. He's second in the Pac-10 in rushing with a 119.4-yard average and second in receiving with 6.1 catches a game.

The quarterback play from Sean Canfield has been at a high level. He's the top passer in the conference in yardage at 254.3 yards a game and efficiency with a 146.5 rating.

"Our offense is rolling right now," Kristick said. "That's important to us. That's going to help."

Quick hits

Results of MRIs for DT Brennan Olander (knee) and TE Brady Camp (shoulder) were not available, but Riley believes they'll be ready for the Civil War. ... Riley is considering wearing orange jerseys in the game because the Pac-10 allows teams to wear different color jerseys in rivalry games.