Oregon vs. ASU: What to Expect Saturday

Oregon and ASU will meet on Saturday in a fight for a conference championship, as well as positioning for a national title run.

Both teams feature high-powered offenses, although the Ducks have racked up more yardage against better competition. There is no doubt that the two biggest weapons on offense in this game are Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart, and if I had to vote for a third it would be Jaison Williams. He has game-breaking ability and may have a season best in this game.

The one statistic that favors Arizona State is that they are in control of the ball about 45 minutes a game. The best way to defend Oregon is to keep them off the field so this is something to keep an eye on.
         
One common theme in ASU football this year has been the comeback. They trailed 14-0 to Colorado, 19-0 against Oregon State, 20-17 to WASU in the fourth, 17-10 to Washington, and just last week 13-0 to California. Mark my words, if ASU goes down two touchdowns early in Autzen stadium they will not recover.

In the past Oregon, had a tendency to get out to an early lead and then slow down offensively. Not this year my friends. The Ducks will pour it on to a Sun Devil team that has the ability to comeback. You got to believe that has been a point of emphasis by head coach Mike Belotti this week in practice.

I think this game might reveal some eye-popping statistics when it's all said and done.

Oregon's O-line may be the best in the country, and if they keep the pressure off of Dixon the offense will explode. I see Stewart rushing over 150 yards and Dixon throwing the ball close to 300 yards, as well as hitting the century mark on the ground.

ASU will get a big play or two over the secondary, but Carpenter's bum thumb will determine how many yards he can throw for. I have to believe the Ducks pick him off at least twice this game.

The first half will see Oregon up 24-14 and the Sun Devils will get it close in the third quarter but lose 48-24. Too many Ducks and they keep rolling towards an 11-1 regular season.