Autzen Zoo
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Oregon Ducks Football: Washington Preview

By Brian Spaen

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Sept. 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Kenjon Barner (24) celebrates a touchdown against the the Washington State Cougars during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

Washington at (2)Oregon

Saturday, October 6th – at Autzen Stadium; Eugene, Oregon

Huskies: 3-1, 1-0 Pac-12 | Ducks: 5-0, 2-0 Pac-12

  • Kickoff – 7:30 p.m. PT
  • Television – ESPN
  • Online – WatchESPN.com
  • Radio – OSN: Eugene KUGN 590AM / Portland The Game 750AM (affiliate list)
  • Odds – Oregon is favored by 24.5 points and the total is set at 62 points (as of today from Covers.com)

The Border War is renewed tonight for the 105th meeting between the Washington Huskies and Oregon Ducks. With a chase to the national championship, it’s one of the most anticipated matchups of the day filled with important college football games.

Washington leads the rivalry 58-41-5, but Oregon currently has the longest winning streak in the series – eight victories dating back to 2004. It’s going to be hard for the Huskies to break that trend. They bring in just the 58th best rush defense in the nation against the sixth-best offensive running attack.

Kenjon Barner broke out again last week with over 200 all-purpose yards, bringing his totals to 605 yards and nine touchdowns on 96 carries. He also has an additional touchdown and 111 more yards on 11 catches.

While the Huskies try to eliminate the Ducks’ running game, their junior quarterback hopes to keep the momentum going after finally coming through in the fourth quarter against Stanford. The offensive line wasn’t able to hold back the Cardinal’s huge defensive line, and Keith Price was sent scrambling and became visually frustrated on the sideline. He only completed 51 percent of his passes on the night.

Washington should have better production from the line against an undersized Oregon defense. Not to mention that the Ducks haven’t shined defending the pass, giving up over 400 yards against Washington State just a week ago.

Prediction: This should be a high-scoring affair by both teams. Whichever team that can prevent showing their weakness on defense will get the victory, and I believe that Oregon’s defense will step up as they usually do in the second half and shut down Keith Price and the passing game. Oregon 46, Washington 24

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.