Predicting the Final Score of No. 8 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 13 Utah Utes
It's week 9 of the college football season and for No. 8 Oregon that brings a matchup against the No. 13 Utah Utes. And it's not just any matchup, it's a roadtrip to Salt Lake City and the Ducks will be under the national spotlight for the second time in three weeks.
This is always a good matchup and it's become one of the better rivalries in the Pac-12. That said, I'm definitely sad to see it come to an end with the Ducks and Utes heading for the Big Ten and the Big Twelve respectively.
They meet for what may be the final time in the Pac-12 with a lot on the line, including a potential spot in the college football playoff for both teams.
Oregon's offense has looked solid all year, with the biggest exception being some fourth down failures in Seattle. The offensive line has looked a bit shaky at times in recent weeks, with some untimely penalties popping up and even stalling drives, forcing the Ducks to settle for three instead of six. That can't happen this week if they want to win.
It's no secret that false starts, ineligible man downfield and holding calls will sting that much more in a hostile environment. But luckily for the Ducks, they have a lot of veteran leadership, which starts with one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Bo Nix hasn't run much this year and I think that's been by design. They haven't needed him to in order to win games. Against one of the best defenses in the Pac-12, I think Stein will lean on Nix to run more and the whole playbook will be on the table.
But it's not just Nix, they're going to need to establish the run early if they want to win this game. It'll be a challenge. Utah opponents are averaging 3.0 yards per carry and only 78 rushing yards per game. But I think Oregon can do it. And if they can, it means that one of their best playmakers Bucky Irving will be in a groove.
Stein's creativity calling plays will go a long way here. There's a wealth of talent at the skill positions that should be enough to counter a talented and physical defense through the air and on the ground.
Looking to the other side of the ball, Utah's offense looked like it found new life against USC. But so have most of USC's opponents. The Utes have actually had one of the weaker offenses statistically this year, only scoring 30 or more points three times against USC, Cal and Weber State--which may not be enough against a high-powered Oregon offense averaging 47 points per game.
That said, I'd be foolish to take anything away from the heroics of quarterback Bryson Barnes last week. The former walk-on definitely has some Cam Rising in him just in his leadership and tough play style, specifically his willingness to put his body on the line for his team.
The tough running from Sione Vaki and Ja'Quinden Jackson make this the most dangerous backfield the Ducks have faced to this point. With a lot of injuries at tight end, typically a huge strength for the Utes, I expect them to lean on the run game more than they usually do.
While Utah is juiced up, I think the Ducks can knock them down a peg if they can slow down the run game, limit explosive plays and get some pressure on Barnes to prevent him from getting in a rhythm.
I could easily see this game being a back-and-forth slugfest, but the Ducks are far more balanced and experienced on both sides of the ball than they were last time they won in Salt Lake in 2016, when they finished 4-8 with a young Justin Herbert.
This game could make or break Oregon's playoff chances, and I think they do enough to come away with a win and Dan Lanning makes a massive statement as a head coach going up against one of the best in the country in Kyle Whittingham.
Prediction: Oregon 31 Utah 24
