No. 14 Oregon Ducks (5-1) 4-2 ATS, 3-3 O/U at Washington Huskies (3-4) 4-3 ATS, 4-3 O/U Saturday October 24, 2009 Husky Stadium (78,000) 3:30 p.m.
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Oregon -10/UW +10
Over/Under: 52.5
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The Washington Huskies will host their much hated Pac-10 rival Oregon this Saturday in Seattle at Husky Stadium. UW has resurfaced as a team that can win this season after not winning at all last year. However, the Huskies have once again been hit with injuries including a back injury to UW QB Jake Locker. Locker is the leader and a must have ingredient on the field if the Huskies even want a shot at beating the Ducks this weekend.
In a crazy finish for the Huskies last week at home versus Arizona that propelled them to a surprising victory the opposite effect occurred in Tempe. It was ASU this time who caused the Huskies to fall victim to a last second touchdown and a 24-17 loss. Husky faithful were stunned after their team had tied the game at 17 and then gave up a 50-yard bomb that finished them off.
UWs Locker finished the game with 279 yards on 22 of 38 passing, 1 TD and 2 interceptions. More importantly, the Huskies had 12 penalties for 124 yards. The amount of mistakes must dwindle this week against the Ducks or they will pay the price.
Oregon has been on a mission since their week one loss at Boise State. The Ducks have overcome the loss of their starting running back Lagarrette Blount due to suspension by maintaining a positive outlook and a well focused coaching staff. New coach Chip Kelly has guided his team in the right direction as they are now ranked No. 14 in the country. A win this weekend will make the Ducks Bowl eligible at 6 wins.
The Ducks have won six straight Pac-10 contests and look to make it seven when they land in Seattle. Oregon recently beat UCLA in Pasadena last weekend 24-10. The Ducks were down 3-0 at the half but not for long. Oregon came out in the third quarter and scored 21 straight points to take a 21-3 lead. Whatever Chip Kelly may have said in the locker room worked!
Ducks backup QB Nate Costa was 9 of 17 for 82 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Starting QB Jeremiah Masoli didnt even suit up for the Ducks as coach Kelly didnt want to rush him back into action. The Ducks are 3-0 in Pac-10 for the first time since 2001, and making a case for a potential Rose Bowl run or better.
The Ducks are 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS, 0-2 O/U on the road this season. The Washington Huskies are 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 3-1 O/U at home this year. As the underdog, the Huskies are 2-4 SU, 4-2 ATS, and 3-3 O/U while the Ducks are 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS, and 3-1 O/U as the favorite.
The line on this game opened at Washington +7 and has moved to Washington +10 at most books. The Las Vegas Hilton currently has UW +9.5 with the O/U 52. Most online sportsbooks are giving Washington +10. However, you can find +11 to +8.5 depending on what book you prefer.
The big difference will be defense in this game as the Huskies are giving up 27 points per game to Oregons 16. The Ducks are explosive on both sides of the ball as they can put points on the board quickly. Washington will once again count on the play of their QB Jake Locker to set the tone in Seattle. Locker is listed as probable for the game but I believe hell find a way to get on the field no matter what- hes a competitor and its against Oregon. He wont miss the chance to shoot down the Ducks.
Oregon is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as the favorite. The under is 8-2 in their last 10 meetings.
Wilsons Pick: Sarkisian gets his guys fired up for this season defining game. I like the Huskies to pull off more last minute heroics at home and quiet the Ducks. UW 35, UO 31. Luck to ya.
