If the Ducks can survive today, help is on the way

An hour before Saturday's game with Iowa Oregon fans received one bit of hopeful news.

Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that the knee injury to Dakorien Moore is not expected to be season-ending, meaning he could rejoin the lineup after some rest and recovery.

In addition, fellow wide receiver and Texan Evan Stewart is also nearing a return, meaning the Oregon passing game could be much more potent, perhaps in time for playoff-elimination showdowns with USC and Washington at the end of November.

That clears the way for Oregon to be playing their best football in the playoffs, provided they can get there. Today they face a daunting road game in the cold and rain, without Stewart, Moore, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and maybe starting right tackle Alex Harkey.

The betting line has notched down to Oregon -4.5, an indication that the Ducks could be in trouble. It's dropped two points in the last 24 hours.

It could be a situation that requires them to lean on their strengths, a stingy defense that's allowed just 13.5 points a game and 4.05 yards per play, plus a strong inside running game featuring Jordon Davison, the 6-0, 236 freshman who has 10 rushing touchdowns this year.

At 7-1, the Ducks need at least a record of 10-2 to make the playoffs. A November sweep would be better as their current record lacks a signature win, losing 30-20 to Indiana in their only matchup against a currently-ranked team.

The team will also miss Moore and Sadiq as downfield blockers, two of their best.