Washington State Gameday Huddle: Oregon Ducks
By Josh Davis
Another Saturday is upon us, and t’s time to play #2! The Ducks are going to do more than test the Cougs, they’re going to threaten to score on every play and they have the mentality that they are going to do just that with their weapons. See, for Oregon, it doesn’t come down to beating us tonight, it comes down to destroying us in every facet and on every inch of the football field. What’s that mean for us? It means we need some attitude and some nastiness from our O-line all the way down to the skill players. I want to see us take on the challenge head on and make a game of it early.
I’m interested in seeing Mariota play for the first time away from Autzen and watching the speed of the Cougars against the speed of Oregon. Mike Leach always says “we’re better than we think”, so I want to see it finally start to gel for 4 quarters this week. We have to believe in ourselves, if we want to keep it close. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be what ESPN thinks it will, a leisurely “Walk in the Park”.
Week 2 of the full Pac-12 schedule got off to a rousing start when the #8 Cardinal lost to the Huskes at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Three other games are on tap this weekend besides the Cougs and Ducks.
Arizona State 3-1 (1-0) @ Cal 1-3 (0-1): This quite honestly is a statement game for both teams. Cal has not been as good defensively as some thought they would be, while ASU has been an offensive machine. Also, Cal’s plight has been just a smidge tougher than ASU’s, so here’s a chance for them to gain some respect back. For the Devils, a win on the road here will make everyone take them seriously from here on out. ASU by 13.
UCLA 3-1 (0-1) @ Colorado 1-3 (1-0): The Bruins proved earlier this year that they can handle a road game against a bad team. Colorado will fight for a while though after a spirited comeback win over Wazzu has them flying high. UCLA by 21
#18 Oregon State 2-0 (1-0) @ Arizona3-1 (0-1): The Beavs a national contender? I’m not buying it. Their offense is no match for an angry Arizona team at home this week. Cats by 14.
#2 Oregon 4-0 (1-0) @ Washington State 2-2 (0-1) (Seattle): The Ducks are really impressive. The Cougs have something to prove. Maybe they can score a few touchdowns but…. UO by 24.
Or Cougs by 1! Go Cougs!