The second-ranked Oregon Ducks hit the road to take on the Washington State Cougars in college football action Saturday night. The game is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the game have the Ducks favored by almost three touchdowns in this one.
Oregon should have no problem scoring points in this one tonight. Washington State has already dropped two games this season, but could be 3-0 had the defense done enough to get off the field. Both Rutgers and Nevada beat Washington State by getting defensive stops because the Cougars are the most one-dimensional team in the country. Washington State throws the ball nearly every down and averages 517 yards through the air per game. They rush for only 40 yards per game. That's not a good situation facing a team like Oregon. If Wazzou isn't able to consistently convert third downs and stay on the field, they will be giving the ball to Oregon with time on the clock. As long as Oregon has the football and has time to score, they're going to score. The best way to beat Oregon is to run the football well, eat clock and keep their offense on the sidelines. Washington State won't be able to do that tonight.
Oregon's Marcus Mariota will look to stretch the field against a Washington State defense has looked very sharp all season. It should come as no surprise that the Ducks have moved the football and scored points. They rank fifth in the country with 52 points a game and roll up better than 573 yards per game.
Could Oregon be looking ahead to their matchup in a couple of weeks with Arizona? Remember, the Ducks lost to Arizona last season in impressive fashion, 42-16. This time they get the Wildcats at home and will have revenge on their minds. But first, they'll need to take care of business tonight against the Cougars.
Oregon's defense might not get as much credit as the offense, but the Ducks are very good on that side of the football as well. They're giving up just 18 points a game this season, the most coming to Michigan State with 27 a couple weeks ago. The Spartans scored 24 second quarter points, but in the other three quarters didn't move the football well enough and kicked only one field goal.
Tonight, look for Oregon to swarm the field defensively and run all over the field when they have the football. They're laying a lot of points on the road, but Washington State just isn't good enough.
Free Pick: Oregon 54, Washington State 27
NFL Free Picks: Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks Betting
What pro football bettors need to know about betting Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks on Friday (9/21/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with added Insight from Dave Cokin.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!