ScoopDuck Predictions: Oregon Football vs Washington State

A new week and it’s about that time. The time where the ScoopDuck brain-trust offers up its game predictions.

Oregon won’t have it any easier this week. The Ducks will host the No. 2 team in the Pac-12 North, the Cougs of Pullman.

Here are our predictions on this weeks tough game in Eugene.

Jarrid Denney: Oregon 38, Washington State 24

At one point this season, Washington State looked like a mess. But despite the massive distraction that was their head coach situation, the Cougars have been one of the most consistent teams in the Pac-12 of late. The Cougars (5-4, 4-2) haven’t lost to a Pac-12 team since September and have notched wins over Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Arizona State in that time. 

However, I think there is simply too much of a talent disparity between Wazzu and the Ducks for it to overcome. Between Max Borghi, Travell Harris, and a few others, the Cougars have some of the top skill position talent in the Pac-12, and quarterback Jayden De Laura can really sling it. But I think the Ducks are hitting their stride and will lean into their identity Saturday. Look for Travis Dye and the offensive line to have another monster day. 

Corpatty: Oregon 31, Washington State 24.   

The Cougars are a vastly underrated team winning 4 of their last 5 with the only blemish being a 2 point loss to BYU.  Coming off a bye with two weeks to prepare for Oregon, I expect Washington St to be prepared and play well.  I think the game will be tightly contested the entire way with the difference being a late TD pass from Anthony Brown to Devon Williams.  

Joel Gunderson: Oregon 38, Washington State 35

Folks, it’s going to be one of those nights. It just is, and there’s no point in getting huffy during the game when it’s going down. And it would be one of those nights whether it was WSU, or Arizona, New Mexico State (OK, maybe not the last). But all of the criteria is there: Emotional letdown; opponent coming off a bye, charged up from a coaching change; schematic problems; weather. You name it, this game will have all of those going against the Ducks.

And yet, this team will prevail, most likely in 2019-fashion, off the leg of Camden Lewis. This one won’t feel as good as the win over the Huskies; almost nothing does. But being 1-0 on the weekend, with all of the aforementioned roadblocks, is all that matters. This week it doesn’t matter how it looks, how it sounds, or how it feels. Just win and move on to the next.

Jhop: Oregon 38, Washington State 30

It seems almost unanimous we all expect this one to be close. Although Mr. Denney thinks the Ducks get it done with a little more breathing room. The elements should be a little more cooperative in Eugene on Saturday.

So far the Ducks have consistently been good against the run on defense. I’m sure that will be a priority on Saturday night. Can Oregon’s secondary answer the call if DeLaura goes to the air?

I do think Wazzu will put an emphasis on stopping Oregon’s run game. I predict Anthony Brown will be called upon to chuck the rock a little bit. If he can be consistent and careful, Oregon should put up some strong passing numbers which will be needed.