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2013 Fiesta Bowl: Oregon prepares to slow down Kansas State's Collin Klein

When Oregon plays Kansas State in Thursday's Fiesta Bowl, the key for the Ducks will be to slow down Wildcats' quarterback Collin Klein. Kansas State runs a similar offense to Oregon's bowl opponent two years ago, Auburn, which featured Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

By Aaron Torres
US PRESSWIRE

As Oregon gets set to play Kansas State in Thursday's Fiesta Bowl, their preparation has been similar to two years ago when they faced Auburn in the BCS National Championship. Kansas State's offense with quarterback Collin Klein is very similar to what Auburn did with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton two years ago.

On Sunday, Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti compared the two, with his quotes via the Oregon Daily Emerald:

"Well, he’s the catalyst, that’s for sure," Aliotti said. "I’d say a lot like two years ago, that offense at Auburn ran through Cam Newton. They’re similar offenses, then there’s a lot of differences, too."

While Klein didn't quite put up the stats Newton did in his one year at Auburn, the fifth-year senior did prove to be one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football this season.

Klein finished the year with 2,490 yards passing and 15 touchdowns, while also adding 890 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground as well. Those stats were enough for Klein to finish third in this year's Heisman Trophy race, behind only Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.

Oregon will face Klein and Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl this Thursday, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.