Missouri State vs. Oregon: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Game Time and More

The No. 12 Oregon Ducks face an uphill battle in terms of getting back on track to BCS glory, but they're going to take a break from that pursuit this weekend.

No, the Ducks aren't idle. They're hosting the Missouri State Bears, they of the FCS.

There's no such thing as an automatic win in any sport, but a juggernaut like Oregon going up against a lucky-to-be-there team like Missouri State comes pretty close.

But to make sure we have everything in order, let's take a closer look at what we can expect to see.

Where: Autzen Stadium

When: Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Comcast SportsNet Northwest and streaming online at O Zone (minimum payment $12.95).

Listen: Oregon Sports Network for Oregon, KTXR (101.3 FM) and MSU Bears Radio Network for Missouri State.

Key Storyline

It's Oregon at home against an FCS team. There's not quite as much hype as there was leading into Oregon's dance with LSU at Cowboys Stadium.

Still, the story in this one will be just how badly the Ducks can demolish the Bears. Another 60- or 70-point outburst is very much in the cards.

But a loss is also in the cards. That's the last thing Oregon needs.

Who Might Not Play for Missouri State

After missing Missouri State's first game thanks to a one-game suspension, quarterback Trevor Wooden played and played well against Eastern Kentucky. He'll be back out there against Oregon too, for his sins.

Aside from that, it sounds like the Bears are going to be at full strength.

Who Might Not Play for Oregon

Running back Kenjon Barner and wide receiver Josh Huff are both battling leg injuries, and linebacker Michael Clay has an ankle problem. Ken Goe of The Oregonian wrote on Wednesday that he "would be surprised" if any of the three played on Saturday.

And for good reason. Why would Chip Kelly risk these guys in a game against an FCS school?

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

For Missouri State, there are none. According to the team's official website the only thing the Bears will get out of this game is a nice check for $444,000. Good work if you can get it.

As for Oregon, the Ducks don't stand to gain anything from winning this game. But if they lose it, they may never recover. They'll plummet down to the very bottom of the Top 25, and their BCS hopes will be hanging by a thread.

What They're Saying

The possibility of Missouri State actually pulling out a win in Eugene is highly unlikely, but it's not impossible. Big-time programs have been upset by FCS schools in the past, and Ducks defensive end Terrell Turner is well aware of that.

Said Turner, per The Oregonian:

"

"Big schools go into games thinking, ‘Nothing’s gonna happen, we’re gonna have this handled’ and it can be the total opposite. Coach (Chip) Kelly is getting us right for this week, acting like we’re playing LSU. We’re all treating it the same."

"

The Ducks better not act like they're playing LSU on the field, though. That didn't go so well for them.

As for what's being said about Missouri State...well, there's not much being said about Missouri State. However, the aforementioned report from the team website was kind enough to point out that the Bears are looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1994.

Extra incentive, I guess.

Missouri State Player To Watch

Got to go with Trevor Wooden. In his very first career start, he passed for 262 yards and two touchdowns and added another 71 yards and a touchdown on the ground. That's a solid game for a quarterback from any team in any division. 

Oregon Player To Watch

Who knows how much they'll actually play, but quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James are always fun to watch. The Oregon player that tends to get overlooked, however, is cornerback and punt returner Cliff Harris. He's a difference-maker on both defense and special teams, and could be in for some fun in his second game back from a suspension. 

Key Matchup

Let's keep this simple. If the Missouri State defense can do anything to disrupt and/or limit the Oregon offense, the Bears stand a chance to win. If Bears defenders need to fake cramps or lollygag around in order to slow Oregon's pace, so be it. A team like Missouri State only gets so many shots at national recognition, so they may as well try to make the most of it. 

On the Hot Seat

I'd actually say the entire Ducks team is on the hot seat. Their win over Nevada was all well and good, but few seem to believe they're still an elite team. Oregon won't be able to change that perception against Missouri State, but it can at least avoid making it worse by not losing. 

Prediction

Got to go with the Ducks here. Teams from the FCS can win games like this, but it's foolish to expect them to win.

Oregon 63, Missouri State 7