Fiesta Bowl 2013: Bill Snyder looks to Stanford's defense for inspiration

The No. 4 Oregon Ducks averaged 50.8 points per game this season, and as the No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats get set to square off with them in the Fiesta Bowl Thursday night they'll look closer at the only team to slow the Ducks down this season.

On Nov. 17, the Stanford Cardinal stymied the Oregon offense, winning 17-14 in overtime to derail the Ducks' undefeated season. In that game, Stanford held Oregon -- which averaged 323.3 rushing yards per game this season -- to 198 yards on the ground. It's something the Wildcats, according to an article from Adam Jude of The Oregonian on Wednesday, hope they can replicate in some way on Thursday.

Here's Kansas State defensive tackle Vai Lutui, from the report, on the Wildcats' preparation for the Ducks:

"We've been focused on the Stanford video because the way their D-tackles penetrated the line and how they were physical at the attack point, that's what we have to mimic as well. Just to get some push on their offensive line and try to tackle them in the backfield instead of having them break the plain and head out."

Additionally, head coach Bill Snyder noted in the article that the best help for his defense will be a strong showing from quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein and the Kansas State offense:

"Obviously, it would be significant for us to be able to score. We've scored reasonably well from time to time, but not as consistently throughout the course of the year. It is going to be significant for us to be able to score, play defense, the whole bit.

I think what everybody would say, hold onto the ball, keep the ball out of Oregon's hands as much as you can. That's all fine and dandy as long as you can get the ball in the end zone, score, too."

The Fiesta Bowl kicks off in the University of Phoenix Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT on Thursday. The game can be seen on ESPN.