Oregon State vs. Oregon Football: 5 Bold Predictions for the Civil War

On Saturday one of college football's oldest rivalries takes place in Eugene.

The Civil War between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers takes place at Autzen Stadium as both teams vie for state supremacy and play for the Platypus Trophy.

The ninth-ranked Ducks look to avenge last week's upset loss to USC, their first loss as Autzen Stadium since 2008. It was only Chip Kelly's second conference loss, his first at Autzen.

If Oregon wins the game, then they will represent the Pac-12 North in the inaugural title game and have a shot at the Rose Bowl.

LaMichael James Will Have over 200 Yards Rushing

Oregon State is one of the worst teams in the country this year.

The Ducks will run wild over them and LaMichael James will top the 200-yard mark for the third time this season.

James had a poor outing against USC but will rebound in a big way against his rivals.

Someone Will Return One to the House

The Ducks are one of the best teams on special teams in the nation.

They have three guys, LaMichael James, De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner, that all can easily return a kick or punt to the end zone.

One of those three will have the chance to do that on Saturday. OSU's offense is extremely weak so I predict that they will be punting a lot.

Secondary Has Three Interceptions

OSU redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Cannion is entering the biggest game of his life.

For a veteran like Matt Barkley, who had already played at Autzen Stadium, the crowd noise was not going to be as big of a deal for him. For Cannion it will be.

Cannion will make multiple mistakes and the defense will key off of those mistakes.

OSU Doesn't Even Gain 200 Yards of Offense

The Beavers lost to Sac State to open up their season. Since then, not much has gone their way except for an upset win over Washington.

Oregon's defense will be too much for Oregon State to overcome as they struggle to gain yards and first downs.

Look for a lot of three-and-outs.

Oregon Actually Makes a Field Goal

I had to do it.

I don't know how many opportunities they will get to kick a field goal, however, against the Beavers' pathetic defense.

Prediction

Don't expect this to be a good Civil War matchup, as Oregon easily clinches the Pac-12 North.

Oregon 45, Oregon State 6