Washington State Cougars (1-3) 2-2 ATS, 2-2 O/U at No. 25 Oregon Ducks (3-1) 2-2 ATS, 2-2 O/U Saturday October 3, 2009 Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium 9:15 p.m. EST, TV: FSN
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Washington State +32.5/Oregon -32.5
Over/Under: 53
If you’re an Oregon Ducks fan you are extremely relieved with your team’s performance during the past three weeks especially after last week’s dismantling of the then No.6 ranked California Golden Bears. The Ducks destroyed the Bears in Autzen Stadium 42-3 last Saturday which caused quite the stir within the Pac-10 Conference as well as in the top 25 polls. The Ducks suffered a season opening loss at Boise State but have since been on a three game winning streak and have climbed their way back into the top 25.
Washington State is desperately trying to rebuild a program that has been down since the departure of Bill Doba, and really, since Mike Price bailed for the Alabama job in 2003 which was the last time the Cougars made an appaerance in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Of course Price was ousted before he even settle in at Bama. The Cougs are coming off a 27-6 loss at USC. The only bright spot for WSU is their freshman QB Jeff Tuel. Tuel came in the game late for the Cougs and provided a spark that the team used to get their first and only touchdown of the night.
I watched the USC/WSU game last Saturday night and despite USC’s poor offensive showing they still looked like the defensive giants of recent years. They shut down Washington State’s offense all night. The Cougars really look more like a junior college team as they are weak in nearly every aspect of the game.
Oregon, on the other hand has resurfaced and they look like a team on a mission. Playing the Ducks at home is never a good adventure, I don’t care who you are. Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli was 21 of 25 for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back LaMichael James carried the ball 21 times for 118 yards and a TD. Masoli’s favorite target was TE Ed Dickson who pulled in 11 balls for 148 yards and 3 TDs.
The Ducks are averaging 29.8 points per game and allowing 20.5 to their opponents. Oregon runs a well balanced attack as they are gaining 166 yards through the air and 169 on the ground.
WSU is only putting up 17.3 ppg and giving up a staggering 32.8 to the opposition. The Cougs do most of their work with the passing game (they are called QB University). The WSU defense is simply too green and not atletic enough to hang with most Pac-10 offenses especially the playmakers.
This game opened at -31 in favor of Oregon but has since moved to -31.5 at most books. If you’re in Las Vegas you can get Oregon -33 at the Las Vegas Hilton, Hard Rock, and Planet Hollywood. The Mirage is currently has Oregon -32.5. The total on this game is 53 at most sportsbooks.
WSU is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The over is 8-1-2 for Oregon in their last 11 games as the favorite.
The Ducks have won the last two meetings. Oregon beat WSU 63-14 last year in Pullman. This year will likely be another beating for the Cougs who just can’t seem to get the recruits to move to the Palousse. Oregon may have struggled early at Boise State, and also lost their starting back LaGarrette Blount but they have held true. First year Duck’s coach Chip Kelly was faced with a lot of issues early this season but has kept his players and staff on the level which has helped the Ducks get back to winning.
Wilson’s Pick: Oregon 45, WSU 3. The Cougs continue to struggle. Oregon Ducks in a romp. Luck to ya.
