The Breakdown
The key to hanging with (and maybe even beating) Oregon is simple: keep up with the tempo. Last year Washington couldn't keep pace after halftime with Oregon's supreme conditioning last year, giving up 17 second half points to their 7. The same story happened last week for Oregon against Washington State, going into half the Ducks were clinging to a 4 point lead before churning out 18 2nd half points in an eventual 51-26 win. If Washington State can gun it out with the Ducks, then surely Washington can do the same.
Coming off of a huge victory over the formerly 8th ranked Cardinal, the Huskies and Keith Price are looking to carry momentum into the rivalry game. Sporting the countries 21st ranked defense, they will need to bring their A-game against the 4th ranked scoring offense.
Players to watch:
Oregon
Marcus Mariota has shown that he is in complete control of Chip Kelly's offense. (Photo courtesy of The Register-Guard) |
Marcus Mariota: Wouldn't know he was a freshman if someone didn't tell you. 11:4 TD:Int ratio
Kenjon Barner: No LaMichael James? No problem. 9 TDs on 605 yards and 96 carries makes for a
productive back in any offensive system.
Washington
Keith Price: 5 TDs to 2 Ints this year, but he is incredibly efficient over his career.
Bishop Sankey: 5.1 yards a pop usually yields good results.
Kasen Williams/Austin Seferian-Jenkins: If the ball is put in the air, chances are it's going to one of these two. 513 yards, 47 receptions, and 4 TDs combined.
Prediction: Oregon 45 Washington 14
Washington keeps it close for the first half, but Oregon runs away with it late.