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Talk about this weekend's matchup with Oregon State. What concerns you most about the Beaver, and what do you think the keys to the game will be?
Ricky Widmer, Autzen Zoo: The only concern I had going into the OSU game was that Oregon might ease up a little in hte game. However, because of the loss, I feel Oregon will come out banging and try to avenge their OT loss to Stanford.
Ray Mencke, Autzen Zoo: Oregon State is one of the best passing teams in the country. Sean Mannion played very well coming back from injury and Oregon State hasn't won this game the last four years. I think the loss to Stanford will motivate the Ducks, but the game will be close.
Nathan Roholt, FishDuck: Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks are better at getting deep than Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, two players who gave the Ducks fits, and Oregon is more depleted in the secondary than they were for that USC game. Oregon's problems aren't teams that can match them in firepower, though, it's teams that don't let them establish their offense. Oregon State's defense may be strong against the run, but their linebackers are slower than Stanford's. Oregon's offense needs to take advantage of them in space and get the offense back on track.
What's your score prediction for the Civil War and why?
Ricky Widmer, Autzen Zoo: Oregon 52, Oregon St. 28 - Oregon will come out and win this game and the offense will come out scoring. However, Oregon St. will come to play and score points, but not enough to win.
Ray Mencke, Autzen Zoo: Oregon 49, Oregon State 42. Oregon has more offensive firepower and will eventually wear down the Beavers defense.
Nathan Roholt, FishDuck: Oregon 43, Oregon State 31. It's hard to predict the scores of Oregon's games. The last three seasons they have lost 4 games, but only won 3 by fewer than 15 points. So if you predict the Ducks to win, you have to predict them big. Still, this one feels different. I think it will be close late, but Oregon's defense will force Sean Mannion to make some tough throws to win, ultimately ending with an ugly, failed conversion on fourth down to seal the game.