The 117th Civil War will be played on Friday afternoon, and although it may seem otherwise, both teams have more to play for than in-state bragging rights. Oregon needs a win to get the best bowl game possible and keep naysaying fans at bay. They can do both with a convincing win on Friday. Oregon State likely needs a win to even make a bowl game. They’re bowl eligible with six wins, but with eight other Pac-12 teams being eligible, they could be the odd team out after a loss after turkey day.

Here are the matchups to watch.

Oregon offense vs Oregon State defense

Oregon scores 47.7 points per game while Oregon State allows 31.7 and is coming off a 69-27 beat-down at the hands of Washington, their fourth consecutive loss. The Beavers have been outscored 150-70 in their last four, each against teams with winning records. Though Oregon’s offense put up an uncharacteristic 16 points last weekend against Arizona, they should have no trouble putting up crooked numbers against the Pac-12′s 10th-worst scoring defense.

Sean Mannion vs Oregon’s secondary

Mannion leads all quarterbacks with total passing yards this season with 4,089, the only QB with more than 4,000 yards. He’s attempted the third-most passes in the nation, trailing fellow Pac-12 quarterbacks Connor Halliday (Washington State) and Jared Goff (California). Mannion’s thrown 34 touchdowns on the year but is susceptible to turnovers as well. He’s thrown 13 interceptions and has really struggled during Oregon State’s current skid, throwing twice as many picks (10) as touchdowns (5) with an average QBR of 51.5. Oregon’s secondary has taken away the deep ball this season and has forced 14 interceptions.

Rushing offenses vs themselves

Both sides’ running games are in focus this week. The Beavers have been pass happy all season and likely won’t change their strategy against the Ducks, but maybe they should. Oregon’s biggest weakness is a good running game that can grind out long drives and slow the game down. Oregon State ranks 122nd in the FBS in rushing with 72.82 rushing yards per game and averages an abysmal 2.83 yards per carry. The running back duo of Terron Ward and Storm Woods haven’t been able to stifle any defenses to this point, and that’s a bad sign for the Beavers if they want a chance to come out on the good side of the scoreboard. Oregon’s rushing attack should be fine, but leading rusher Byron Marshall (995 yards, 14 TDs) left last weekend’s game early with an ankle injury and wore a walking boot this week, putting his status for the Civil War in serious doubt. De’Anthony Thomas and Thomas Tyner will carry the load, potentially aided by Marcus Mariota depending on how comfortable he feels running on his bum left knee.

Marcus Mariota vs Oregon State front seven

Mariota will be tested by Oregon State’s veteran front seven, led by Scott Crichton and Michael Doctor. Crichton, the junior lineman, leads the team in tackles for loss (14) and sacks (6.5), five of which have come in his last five games. Mariota’s mobility has been limited by his lingering knee issues, but the situation appears to be improving, but rest assured the Beavers will do their best to flush him out of the pocket.

Follow Madison Guernsey on Twitter @guernseymd