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With Oregon's non-conference schedule in the books, the Ducks start Pac-10 play this weekend against an ASU team that surprised everyone this weekend by playing a competitive game at Wisconsin. Let's get to the quack:
- It's been the most lopsided out of conference schedule in school history for the Ducks, as they've outscored their opponents 189-13 and have yet to allow a point at Autzen Stadium. And while the competition has been less than stellar, Ron Bellamy writes that this could be a very good Oregon team. Explosive on offense and special teams, and fast and energetic on defense, the team is set up to make a run through the Pac-10.
- The first test comes Saturday night, against ASU. And after dominating their first three games, the Ducks know what is at stake in the Pac-10. In fact, it seems like the Ducks are their own worst critics. LaMichael James, despite his record setting performance, was very critical of his play against PSU. The Ducks will continue to have to work hard and improve if they want to take the Pac-10 this year, and it seems they are very aware of that. ASU will provide a good measuring stick with their own spread offense and strong defense. It should be a fun one.
- It's a new week, so everyone has their Pac-10 rankings up. Ted Miller has Oregon first, followed by Arizona and Stanford, which is exactly how I would rank the conference in a power poll. Meanwhile, other writers are talking about how good the Pac-10 is after big wins by Arizona and Stanford. Bruce Feldman had an article yesterday talking about how the weekend impacted the conferences BCS hopes. Also, Stewart Mandell writes that the Pac-10's top 3 are worthy of respect. One problem with the Pac-10 nationally last year was that there was no clear #2 or #3 team. That could change this year, giving a boost to the conference.
- Phil Steele has his top performances of the week, and Oregon comes in at #4. They were second and first the past two weeks, easily the most dominating performance in the country thus far.
- Lastly, Ducks Attack has a run-down of what some Oregon recruits did over the weekend, and the Oregonian has some links to some local articles. It's a good way to get to know some future Ducks.