Arizona State @ Oregon: Arizona State is 5-1 as they head for Eugene. They have won three in a row; beating USC 43-22 and Oregon State 35-20 at home and winning last week @ Salt Lake, a 35-14 thumping of Utah. Oregon has won 4 in a row. Their only road win in the four victories was at Arizona (who just fired their coach, Mike Stoops, this week) 56-31. The Ducks have played well at home, stomping Nevada 69-20 and a FCS team, Missouri State, 56-7. Last Thursday, they beat a 3-1 California, 43-15, however, the win may turn out to be a loss of sorts. Star running back, LaMichael James was injured and is out indefinitely, at least according to the ducks QB, Darren Thomas. The Quarterback probably aggravated his Coach, Chip Kelly, by talking about James’ status for the Saturday showdown. Kelly is tight lipped about injuries and will most likely have a heart to heart chat with Thomas about his “signal calling” as it relates to injured teammates.
Arizona State is on track to win the South Division of the PAC 12 and play the winner of the Oregon @ Stanford battle on November 12. Therefore, Saturday’s meeting could be a preview of what is to come, should Oregon beat Stanford, as the PAC 12 moves toward its inaugural companionship game.
These teams have met in each of the past five years, Oregon has won all five, including last years high scoring affair, 42-31, in Tempe. Oregon is a 14 to 15 1/2 point favorite and while playing without star running back LaMichael James, they should find a way to extend their winning ways against the Sun Devils. Oregon 45 Arizona State 28
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