The WSU vs. Oregon game on October 7 has all the makings of a classic Pac-12 matchup. The Washington State Cougars and Oregon Ducks know how important this game will be in the Pac-12 standings and that the loser will have a difficult time staying in contention this season. Game time is 5 PM PT with FOX providing the television coverage.
WSU comes into this game with a 5-0 record. The Cougars are also ranked No. 11 in the nation after beating USC last week. It pushed the Cougars up the college football rankings, giving the Ducks an added incentive to win this week.
Oregon is at 4-1, having lost to Arizona State two weeks ago. The Ducks need to get this important conference win to keep pace with the Washington Huskies in the North.
Odds and predictions for Cougars vs. Ducks game
A report by ESPN calls the Oregon Ducks the favorites in this game by 1.5 points. With an over/under of 60.5 for the two teams, it works out to a final score of roughly 31-29.5 in favor of the Ducks. Having the game at Autzen stadium gives the Ducks the advantage, but the last time the two schools met there, WSU pulled off an overtime victory.
According to the ESPN matchup predictor, the Oregon Ducks have a 66.7 percent chance of winning this game. That is the biggest spread in all of college football this week when comparing a ranked and unranked opponent.
It’s certainly bulletin board material for the Washington State Cougars, especially after the tea just knocked off the USC Trojans. This is yet another test for coach Mike Leach and his Cougars, though, especially since the game is on the road.
Comparing the states of Oregon and Washington State
Through five games this season, the Oregon Ducks average 49.6 points and allow 26 points per game.
The Washington State Cougars score 41 and give up 20.2 points on average. For total yardage, the Ducks are at 537.4 yards per game, with 276.6 passing and 260.8 rushing. The Cougars are at averages of 495.8 per game, with 414 coming through the air and 81.8 coming on the ground. On defense, WSU gives up just 275.2 yards per game, including a paltry 146.6 per game through the air.
The Week 6 college football rankings didn’t reward WSU as much as some fans had hoped, as the Cougars are ranked No. 11, while the Washington Huskies are ranked No. 6 in the country. That sets up a really interesting Apple Cup game, where WSU vs. UW could decide the North champion. First, though, is a very important Washington State vs. Oregon game, with a lot on the line for both schools.
