3 bold predictions for Oregon football vs. Oregon State in Week 3

Anyone else way too excited about this Oregon football matchup with Oregon State on Saturday afternoon? I know I can't wait for these two teams to square off, even if the conference standings are no longer a factor in this rivalry.

That's right, for the first time in recent memory, Oregon vs. Oregon State will be a non-conference game thanks to the Pac-12 dissolving and the Ducks moving to the Big Ten.

The Ducks are heavy favorites on the road (17-point favorites, to be exact) even though the Beavers are 2-0 with a couple of three-score wins under their belt. Oregon State beat Idaho State in the opener, 38-15, and then San Diego State on the road in Week 2, 21-0.

This game will be better than expected, in my opinion.

So without further ado, let's dive into some bold predictions.

3. Dillon Gabriel doesn't get sacked

Through two games, the most disappointing aspect of Oregon football has been the offensive line. What was considered a major strength last year and for the past few years has been a nightmare, surrendering seven sacks through two games. Yes, that's right, seven (!!) sacks to Idaho and Boise State in home games.

That's unacceptable.

Dillon Gabriel has been running for his life and that's one of the reasons the offense has looked slightly disjointed (not ineffective, just a little off) through two weeks.

That'll change on Saturday afternoon. Oregon State has just three sacks through two games against weak opponents and Oregon is going to flip the script and keep Gabriel upright. He won't get sacked and he'll have time to throw for the first time in his Duck career.