Autzen Zoo
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Oregon Football: Arizona Preview and Predictions

By Brian Spaen

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(21)Arizona vs. (3)Oregon

Saturday, September 22nd – at Autzen Stadium; Eugene, Oregon

Ducks: 3-0 overall / Wildcats: 3-0 overall … Pac-12 conference opener for both teams.

  • Kickoff – 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET)
  • Television – ESPN
  • Online – WatchESPN.com
  • Radio – OSN: Eugene KUGN 590AM / Portland The Game 750AM (affiliate list)
  • Odds – Oregon is favored by 20.5 points and the total is set at 80 points (as of today from Covers.com)

September 15, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws the ball against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

TV Information:

  • Announcers: Joe Tessitore (PxP), Matt Millen (commentary), Shelly Smith (sideline reporter)
  • Coverage follows LSU vs. Auburn on ESPN

Head Coach Comparison:

Chip Kelly – 4th season as head coach of Oregon (4th overall)
Overall record: 37-6

Rich Rodriguez – 1st season as head coach of Arizona (19th overall)
Overall record: 123-84-2

Quarterback Comparison:

Marcus Mariota (#8, redshirt freshman)

  • Passing: 58-77 (75.3 percent), 674 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • Rushing: 22 attempts, 108 yards, 0 touchdowns (fourth-highest rushing amount on team)

Matt Scott (#10, redshirt senior)

  • Passing: 88-123 (71.5 percent), 995 yards, 7 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • Rushing: 42 attempts, 190 yards, 2 touchdowns (second-highest rushing amount on team)

3 Keys to Victory for Oregon:

  • With Matt Scott being a dual threat quarterback, the Ducks cannot afford to let him beat them in both phases of the game. Look for defensive end Dion Jordan, who should be bringing pressure on Scott all game long.
  • For Marcus Mariota, he needs continue to start these games fast. There isn’t much difference from this defense compared to other defenses he’s faced this season – Arizona is currently ranked 64th overall in total defense.
  • In the same vain, outside of FCS opponent Tennessee Tech there’s been lulls coming out of halftime.  The offense can’t afford to shut things down and be comfortable with any lead.

September 15, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles defensive back Luke Woodason (31) defends against Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla (15) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

Autzen Zoo Links:

Pregame Thoughts:

We always here talk about how certain games will be incredibly high scoring with two powerhouse offenses, and the games doesn’t live up to expectations. This one will. Similar to Baylor vs. Louisiana-Monroe last night, expect a large amount of plays as both teams will snap the ball with around 20 seconds left on the play clock.

Only Marshall has called more plays in a game than Arizona – they have 282 compared to the Wildcats’ 280. Oregon sits at 259 plays.

Prediction:

Arizona will be the Ducks’ toughest opponent and will test Kelly’s theory of having the best defense he’s ever had. It should hold through, and the Wildcats don’t have nearly enough defense to hold Mariota, De’Anthony Thomas, and Kenjon Barner at bay. They rank at 56th on rushing defense, and that favors Oregon considerably. Expect things to be the same as they’ve been this season so far. The Ducks will get out to a fast start and a commanding lead by halftime, then Arizona sneaks in for the backdoor cover.

Oregon 48, Arizona 29

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.