Title game berth on the line for Oregon
It’s simple for Oregon on Saturday. If it wins its showdown with Oregon State, the Ducks will win the Pac-12 North and earn a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Oregon State can still win the North as well, but the Beavers need to beat Oregon and have Washington defeat Washington State on Friday.
Washington State will be the North champ if Oregon State beats Oregon and the Cougars beat the Huskies.
Keys for Oregon State
Establish the run: The Beavers are at their best when they run the ball and run it efficiently.
They did that last week against Arizona State, led by B.J. Taylor’s 150 yards on 20 carries.
Win the turnover battle: Taking care of the ball would go a long way toward helping Oregon State upset the Ducks.
Forcing a turnover or two wouldn’t hurt either.
Step up on defense: Oregon State’s defense impressed against Arizona State. A similar solid effort against the Ducks could give the Beavers a chance to win the rivalry game.
Keys for Oregon
Shake off loss to Utah: The loss to the Utes was bad, but the Ducks still control their own destiny for the Rose Bowl. Yes, the College Football Playoff is out of the question, but many of the Ducks’ goals are still within reach.
Get a bounce back game from QB: Anthony Brown was just 17-for-35 in the loss to Utah, throwing for 231 yards. He will need to step up to help Oregon rebound from that loss.
Force Oregon State to pass: The
Beavers want to run, so the Ducks need to force them to beat them in the air. Doing that could go a long way in helping the Ducks make the Pac-12 title game.
Prediction
Oregon did not look good in Salt Lake City last week, but few teams do. It will be back at home this week against Oregon State and that will go a long way in helping the Ducks win the Pac-12 North title.
Oregon 35, Oregon State 27