Oregon vs. Washington Prediction, Game Preview

Can the Washington Huskies (3-2) build off last week’s upset of USC when the rival Oregon Ducks (3-3) visit this weekend? Check out the Oregon vs. Washington prediction and game preview.

Oregon vs. Washington Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 10:30 ET
Venue: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Network: ESPN2

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

Washington has been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. Don’t fumble it, Huskies.

U-Dub has lost 11 straight to Oregon, a decade of futility versus a hated border rival that’s become intolerable for the program’s fans. The Huskies are pining for payback, and this could be the year they get it. Washington is rising after shocking USC at the Coliseum, and a win over the Ducks would send Chris Petersen’s rebuilding plans into hyperdrive. While Washington is surging, Oregon is sinking, highlighted by last Saturday’s home loss to Washington State. And the Ducks are about to meet an angry mob determined to keep them reeling.

Why Oregon Will Win

Nope, this is not a vintage Quack Attack in 2015. But Oregon still has more firepower than Washington, which is averaging just 21 points in games with FBS opponents. Even as the Ducks await the return of injured QB Vernon Adams, they’re averaging more than 41 points per game. And Royce Freeman and Taj Griffin have given the running game a dangerous mix of inside running and outside speed, respectively. If Oregon starts cranking, the Huskies are unlikely to keep pace.

Why Washington Will Win

Oregon won’t be cranking up to its usual expectations. Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has done a remarkable job with the Husky defense, as evidenced by last week’s 17-12 win over USC. Washington is allowing just 4.4 yards per play and 15 points per game. And linebackers Cory Littleton and Keishawn Bierria have been two of the sparkplugs of a front seven that’s consistently moving the line of scrimmage backwards. This is one of the hottest defenses in the country right now.

Player Who Matters

Who makes plays for the Washington offense? Wazzu QB Luke Falk carved up the Ducks last week, but Husky QB Jake Browning is still evolving. And his supporting cast is just average. While RB Myles Gaskin is expected to receive more touches, success hinges on the line’s ability to neutralize DE DeForest Buckner. Despite all of Oregon’s first-half problems, Buckner is still performing like a first-round draft pick who requires more than one blocker.

What’s Going To Happen?

Last week, Washington State snapped its losing streak to Oregon. This Saturday, it’s Washington’s turn to end a decade of futility versus the Ducks. U-Dub is ready. The defense is stout and the rookie quarterback has almost a half-season of reps under his belt. Oregon, on the other hand, has issues on both sides of the ball that the Huskies can exploit. And they will not squander this opportunity to move another step closer to Pac-12 North contention.