No. 12 Oregon Ducks (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) at Arizona Wildcats (3-2, 1-1)
When: 6 p.m. PT Saturday, Oct. 8
Where: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
Coaches: Dan Lanning, first year (4-1); Jedd Fisch, 2nd year (5-14 overall; 4-13 at Arizona)
Latest line: Oregon by 13
TV channel: Pac-12 Network
On air: Radio on 1080 “The Fan” in Portland, KUGN-AM 590 in Eugene
How to watch live stream online: You can watch this game live for FREE with fuboTV (free trial). You can also get this game on Sling TV (promotional offers) if you are out of fuboTV trials, or simply prefer those platforms and their pricing plans. You can also watch this game live on Pac-12 Live with your cable or satellite provider login information.
What’s at stake: Oregon can reach the midpoint of the season at 5-1 and 3-0 in Pac-12 play, when at most two other teams could remain undefeated in conference play. Should the Ducks and UCLA win it will setup a marquee matchup in two weeks at Autzen Stadium. A loss would drop UO from the national discourse entirely and make the path to a Pac-12 Championship game appearance considerably more difficult. Arizona is seeking the first signature win of the Jedd Fisch era in what should be the first sellout at UA since 2015.
Oregon offense vs. Arizona defense
The Ducks are coming off a massive rushing performance and that should travel, particularly against a run defense as poor as Arizona’s. Bo Nix shouldn’t have to aim for many deep shots as the Wildcats do fairly well at preventing long passes and have some talent in the secondary. But with a less talented front seven Oregon’s offensive line should be able to pave the way for Bucky Irving, Noah Whittington, Sean Dollars and Nix to run wild.
Oregon defense vs. Arizona offense
Jayden de Laura is hard to bring down and now he has even more skill position talent to work with. Oregon’s secondary has played better but is still vulnerable and Arizona’s receiving corps is the best it’ll face during the regular season. Christian Gonzalez can only cover one weapon at a time so how Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning and Bennett Williams cover Jacob Cowing, Dorian Singer and Tetairoa McMillan will be critical for the Ducks to put the game away or for the Wildcats to hang around.
Did you know?
- Arizona running back Michael Wiley has scored a touchdown in 10 of his last 12 games, all since playing UO last season
Matchup to watch: Oregon’s No. 2-3 corners vs. Arizona’s receivers
If Oregon’s secondary can keep Arizona’s receiver in check it would be a massive sign of progress heading into the bye week. Christian Gonzalez should get matched up with Jacob Cowing or Tetairoa McMillan the vast majority of the time. If Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning, Jahlil Florence and Khamari Terrell can prevent Cowing, McMillan and Dorian Singer from breaking free for multiple 30-plus yard plays and converting on third down, UO’s secondary will have made real progress.
They said it: “(Defensive line) coach Tony (Tuioti) has been on our butts all week long; you can’t let up on Arizona. They’re not no sorry team that you can just walk in and just beat them. They’re a really good team, they got experience and they have really good tackles and o-line that play really well together.” - Oregon defensive end Brandon Dorlus
Key stat:
Oregon is 13-3 against Arizona when a UO player rushes for 100 yards and 15-14 in the series without a 100-yard rusher
Prediction: Oregon 35, Arizona 21
Pregame reading:
Bucky Irving emerging as lead back for Oregon Ducks
Arizona safety Jaxen Turner to return from shoulder injury against Oregon Ducks
Will Oregon Ducks improve to 3-0 against Jayden de Laura?
Ross James takes over as Oregon Ducks punter, aiming for more consistency
Oregon Ducks practice observations: Justin Flowe reps with second-team defense
Oregon Ducks implementing accountabilities during practice in attempt to curb penalties
What Dan Lanning said about Oregon’s win over Stanford, trip to Arizona
Oregon Ducks looking for first win at Arizona since 2011: Sneak peek
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