Prognostication Station: No. 24 Oregon vs Arizona State, Pac-12 Predictions

The first full slate of Pac-12 action is set to get underway

By Tony Piraro@TheQuackFiend Sep 22, 2017, 1:35pm PDT

The No. 24 unbeaten Oregon Ducks (3-0) open their Pac-12 Conference schedule with the Arizona State Sun Devils (1-2) in Tempe on Saturday. Oregon has not lost to ASU in 13 years, but the Ducks are not overlooking their familiar opponent.

Welcome to ATQ’s newest series Prognostication Station! Each week of the Pac-12 season, we will take a look back at our preseason projections and make a few new ones for the week ahead. Unfortunately, The Film Room will not be published this week. Enough with the intro, let’s break down the first full slate of games on the Pac-12 calendar:

OREGON’S 2017 RESUME

(3-0, 0-0)
56.0 PPG
23.0 PA
33.3 MOV
1,827 TOTAL YARDS
609 TOTAL YPG
323.6 PASSING YPG
5 PASS TD
18 RUSH TD
29:56 AVG TOP
24-for-24 XP
0-for-1 FG
303.0 YA P/G
7 INT
10 SACKS
20 TFL
22 PD
1 SPECIAL TEAMS TD

Key Players: Royce Freeman (569 TOTAL YDS, 9 TD) and Troy Dye (25 TKL, 2 SACK, 1 INT)

Colorado v Colorado State — Colorado quarterback Steven Montez is ready to announce his presence with authority vs Washington on Saturday. Last year, Jim Leavitt and his Buffs were dismantled by the Huskies in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Colorado wants revenge at home in Boulder.

WEEKLY PAC-12 PROJECTIONS

#23 Utah at Arizona

Utah struggles with the Cats, but I can’t see Rich Rod pulling the upset in the first Pac-12 week

Final Score: Utah 24, Arizona 10

#5 USC at Cal

USC should come back down to earth after big win vs Stanford, offense still not clicking yet

Final Score: USC 31, Cal 28

Nevada at #18 Washington State

The Cougars still have another week of non-conference play, lucky for them

Final Score: WSU 52, Nevada 19

#7 Washington at Colorado

Steve Montez breaks out in a huge way, as Buffs erase 2016 Pac-12 Title Game from memory

Final Score: Colorado 32, Washington 31

UCLA at Stanford

Rosen is a great QB but Stanford will fight back after an embarrassing loss to USC last week

Final Score: Stanford 23, UCLA 21

GAME 4 - #24 OREGON @ Arizona State

We have seen our share of shootouts between these two programs. However, this year's matchup will stay rather subdued thanks in large part to Oregon’s defense finding their rhythm. Herbert will explode for four scores in the Pac-12 opener, including a rushing touchdown. Brenden Schooler will make a big impression in the middle of the field and Thomas Graham Jr. will record an interception in the win. ASU will extend their losing streak to 14 straight vs the Ducks (2004). Final Score: Oregon 45, Arizona State 23

PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

@Wyoming (W, 3-0)

I’ve seen a lot of outlets, especially around Eugene, that are predicting this as a win for the Ducks. Clearly, they have not watched Josh Allen yet. Most scouts have him as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2018 NFL draft class. He had 36 overall TDs and 3,700-plus yards from scrimmage in 2017. This game frightens me more than most Pac-12 contests this year. Wyoming is talented and underrated no matter the popularity of their gunslinger. Being the first road test for the Ducks, it will be tough to overcome an early deficit. This will be a struggle early in the season. Final Score: Wyoming 27, Oregon 24

PROJECTION RECORD (2-1)

Nebraska (W, 2-0)

The rematch from last year is set to continue at Autzen Stadium in 2017. The Huskers may not be as good, but the program from Lincoln is always fundamentally solid. It will be another barnburner, as Herbert and the Ducks will escape late in front of the home crowd. Freeman left last years contest with an injury and did not return. He will make up for lost time in this one with 163 rushing yards on 19 carries in the victory. Leave it to kicker Aidan Schneider to blast us home victorious. Final Score: Oregon 37, Nebraska 34

PROJECTION RECORD (2-0)

Southern Utah (W, 1-0)

The Ducks shouldn’t have much of a problem with the Thunderbirds, but we all remember how bad the defense looked last season on opening day. Playing a team like Southern Utah is simply a tune-up contest in preparation for the Huskers. None of the first team players should stay on the field beyond the first half. However, Justin Herbert and the offense will be out there long enough to make some big plays. Look for Charles Nelson and Johnny Johnson III to get started early, while Royce Freeman should have a light workload. Kani Benoit will rush for over 100 yards. Final Score: Oregon 63, Southern Utah 10

PROJECTION RECORD (1-0)

Next Friday we’ll project the upcoming week on the Pac-12 Conference calendar, as well as looking back at our preseason predictions for Oregon’s next opponent.

Stay tuned, if you want to; Twitter @TheQuackFiend Gram @eugene_levys_eyebrows