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Oregon Football: Arizona by the Numbers

By Brian Spaen

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It’s pretty obvious – Arizona will be Oregon’s biggest test of the season as conference play begins. Still, history says that it’s been recently one sided – as well as an incredibly high scoring affair.

Sept 24, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) runs the ball in the second quarter of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Oregon won 56-31. Mandatory Credit: Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE

With the way both teams have opened up the season, the numbers show that this one will be in the books as another high-octane clash. Here’s a few nuggets before diving into the analysis throughout the week.

Matchup history…

  • Oregon and Arizona have met up with each other annually since 1993. The Ducks hold a 15-4 record over the Wildcats since that time.
  • Overall, Oregon is 23-14 against Arizona in their history.
  • In the previous four meetings, no team has gained less than 441 yards of total offense.

So far this year for Arizona…

  • They’re 3-0, winning two games against solid FBS opponents (Toledo and Oklahoma State) and beating down an FCS opponent.
  • Currently, they are outscoring their opponents by 28 points a game.
  • They have made 108 first downs, 46 more than their opponents combined. Astonishingly, these first downs are coming nearly equally with 46 via passing, 48 by rushing, and 14 off of penalties.
  • Oklahoma State actually outgained Arizona by 135 total yards, but still lost to them.

Comparisons to make note of…

  • Only 15 penalties have been called on Arizona compared to their opponents’ 33 times. In comparison, Oregon has had 28 penalties called on them so far this season.
  • Arizona is +2 in the turnover battle, Oregon is -2.
  • The Ducks are more successful at defending third down conversions, as opponents are only converting 15.56 percent of them. In comparison, the Wildcats have allowed 38.46 percent.

For the bettors…

  • Oregon opened up as nearly four-touchdown favorites at 26.5. Las Vegas Hotel & Casino currently has the line at 24 and the total points set at 77.
  • The over is 4-0 in the previous four matchups.
  • The Ducks are 0-6-2 at the spread as home favorites of 10.5 or more points.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo. See his banter with other FanSided writers and love for his favorite west coast professional teams by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Lacrosse the Web.