Oregon Ducks (5-1) vs. Washington Huskies (3-4)
Saturday, October 24, 12:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Oregon -10.0

Sam’s Take (31 – 14):

The Ducks and Huskies have formed one of the Pac-10’s fiercest rivalries over the years, but when is the last time there was any buzz surrounding this game? While Washington holds a significant lead in the all-time series (58-38-5), the Ducks have obliterated U-Dub in five straight meetings, making the usually nasty rivalry nothing more than an afterthought.

I believe this year will be different. The buzz is back in this series, and despite Washington’s best effort to throw away every bit of momentum they have accumulated this season (that 50-yard TD bomb from Danny Sullivan still seems surreal), I believe coach Sark, Jake Locker and an extra-fiery Nick Holt will have the Dawgs ready to play at home.

Having said all of that, I also think Oregon will come ready to play. QB Jeremiah Masoli may not be 100%, but all indications are that he will start. Chip Kelly may limit the playbook a bit this week, especially considering the Ducks need to have a healthy Masoli for the ‘SC game. I therefore expect to see a heavy dose of RB LaMichael James, as this UW defense has been suspect against the run (86th in nation) and James has already proven he can tear through a pretty solid D (UCLA) even without the threat of a passing game. The Huskies have been tremendous defensively in the red zone, but I still expect Chip Kelly’s squad to score a few times inside the 20-yard line.

The most compelling match up in this game involves QB Jake Locker and the UW offense going up against an Oregon D that is playing as well as any in the Pac-10 (and possibly the country). The Ducks have disrupted opposing QBs all season (even Boise’s Kellen Moore), but Locker will be the unit’s biggest test of the season thus far.

I am really looking forward to this game, and I believe it has a chance to be the most exciting of the week in the Pac-10. The Huskies have the ingredients to pull the off the upset this year, but I really think Oregon is on a mission. Chip Kelly has the Ducks locked in right now, and I think they will do just enough to escape a very hostile environment with a win.

Prediction: Oregon 31 – Washington 27

Oregon Player to Keep an Eye On: CB Talmadge Jackson III - Jackson had a game to remember against UCLA, and he will be one of the keys to containing the talented UW receivers.

Washington Player to Keep an Eye On: RB Chris Polk - If Polk can hit a few big runs early, the entire offense will open up for Jake Locker to work his magic.

Dave’s Take (35 – 10):

You can’t deny that there is just something special about when Washington plays at home this year. Their 3-1 record includes thrilling wins over ranked USC and Arizona, and their only loss came in a well-played game against LSU. Upsetting another major conference player is a serious possibility this Saturday.

With that said, I honestly don’t think UW will be able to keep up this week. Oregon is clicking in all three facets of the game; special teams has been great, the defense has been insanely strong since conference play has started, and the offense is always a major threat. Washington has been shredded by the run in Pac-10 play, and it is hard to see them bucking that trend against LaMichael James and the nation’s 16th best rushing attack (202.7 yards per game).

Washington’s offense has plenty of talent, and Jake Locker and Chris Polk have really emerged as stars, but they are only averaging 25.4 points per game (76th in the nation). Good defenses have been able to limit Washington’s offensive output, and the Ducks shut-down defense should be able to do the same.

Unless Jeremiah Masoli reverts back to his early-season struggles and makes a ton of mistakes (which Washington has proven, especially at home, that they can capitalize on), I see Oregon taking the crowd out of this game early and heading into next week’s Halloween showdown with ‘SC in top form.

Prediction: Oregon 31 – Washington 17

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