By: Jack McArthur
This Saturday, November 12, the Oregon Ducks will host the visiting Washington Huskies at home in Autzen Stadium at 4:00 PM. Coming into the game, Oregon is ranked sixth nationally, with an overall record of 8-1, including an undefeated 8-0 in league record. Washington on the other hand is currently ranked number 24 in the nation, with a record of 7-2 on the season, and 4-2 in PAC-12 conference play. Oregon is looking to extend their eight game win streak, and Washington is looking to further their three game win streak.
The Ducks haven’t lost a game since their season opening loss against Georgia on September 3, which was over two months ago. Georgia is currently ranked number one in the nation, and they have an undefeated 9-0 record. The Huskies most recent loss came four weeks ago, against the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 8, when they lost 45-38. ASU is not a good team, as they’re currently unranked, with a record of 3-6 on the season, including 2-4 in PAC-12 play. Although the Huskies are currently the fifth best team in the Pac, they’re far behind Oregon record wise, who’s currently the best rated team in the PAC-12. Oregon has the second best rated offense in the nation, currently ranked second to Tennessee’s number one offense. Oregon has 50 offensive touchdowns this season, while also averaging 7.16 yards a play and an impressive 520.6 yards per game. Washington isn’t too far behind, as they have the tenth highest rated offense in the nation, averaging 6.49 yards a play and 495.6 yards per game, with a total of 44 offensive touchdowns this season.
Oregon has a much more well rounded squad than Washington, as they have a better and more explosive offense than the Huskies. Although the Ducks have a better offense than the Huskies, the Huskies have the defensive edge against Oregon. Washington is currently tied with Purdue for the 39th best defensive team in the country, giving up only 5.53 yards a play on average, and only 355.3 yards per game on average. Oregon on the other hand is ranked as the nations 76th best defensive team, allowing 5.77 yards per play on average, while also allowing their opponents an average of 384 yards per game. The Ducks defense hasn’t been up to standard recently, after some recently underwhelming lackluster performances from Oregon’s linebackers and secondary defense. Although Washington’s defense is strong, it’s going to take a lot of effort for them to get past Oregon’s robust offensive line. Oregon’s offensive line has continued to halt opposing teams, as Bo Nix has only been sacked once this whole season, which happened on October 1, when Oregon defeated Stanford, 45-27.
Oregon’s offense is exceptionally potent, as they have the second ranked offense in the nation, while also averaging 43.11 points scored per game. Washington on the other hand has a solid offense, averaging 38.6 points scored per game.On average, Oregon only allows their opponents 26.33 points scored per game. Washington on the other hand has allowed their opponents to 26.9 points per game on average. Washington’s starting QB, Michael Penix Jr. has had a great season. Penix Jr. has thrown for the second most yards in the nation this season: 3,232. In addition to having a completion percentage of 66.5% on the season, he’s also thrown for 23 touchdowns, while throwing five picks. Oregon’s starting quarterback, Bo Nix, has similar stats in comparison to Penix Jr. this season, as Nix has 22 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Nix has a completion percentage of 73.3% so far. He has also thrown for 260 yards or more with a completion percentage higher than 77% in each of Oregon’s last four games. Bo Nix is a Heisman candidate, and he has helped rejuvenate Oregon’s football program. The Ducks are currently sixth in the nation, with a legitimate shot to make the college football playoff.
Oregon has scored 40 or more points in eight straight games, making them the only FBS team that has scored 40 or more points eight straight times this season. I believe that this game against Washington will be more of a challenge than some may envision, as Washington matches up pretty well with Oregon offensively. Saturday’s highly anticipated match-up between the Ducks and the Huskies will be a high scoring battle. My prediction for this game is Oregon wins by 13 points, with a final score of 44-31.