CFB PREVIEW: Oregon Ducks vs Washington Huskies
By Rory Daniels
The headline event of Week 7 will be a Pac-12 showdown between Oregon and Washington. The two unbeaten teams have coaches thriving in relatively new settings and two Quarterbacks in the thick of a Heisman race. The showdown is set to be a classic, so here’s the lowdown on the two teams.
Story so far…
Oregon’s 42-6 beatdown of media darlings Colorado caught national attention and perfectly highlighted the grit Dan Lanning has brought to Eugene. Now in his second year, the former Georgia defensive coordinator has his eyes set on the conference championship.
Oregon’s defense has been among the nation’s stingiest. They gave up ten or less points in each of their last three outings. On the offensive side, the team has been brutally efficient and difficult to stop. Washington’s potent offense will be quite the tactical challenge for Lanning and his staff.
Kalen DeBoer is also in his second year as the Huskies head coach and has enjoyed similar success. He has hit the ground running after being prized away from Fresno State. As mentioned, a high-octane offense has been the main factor to Washington starting the season 5-0.
For both sides this meeting is substantially more difficult than anything on their schedule to date. Washington’s stuttering victory over Arizona last time out was the first time they had faltered and they will be keen to show it was a one-off.
While neither side will be out of the playoff race with a defeat, the victor will be in the driving seat, particularly if Notre Dame can exploit USC’s defensive woes later in the evening.
The Quarterbacks…
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has finally found his ideal home. After struggling to reach his potential at Auburn, he has become the model of consistency for the Ducks. He has a lone interception versus his fifteen touchdowns so far this season. Couple that with a staggering 80% completion rate and it’s obvious why his draft stock has risen.
That said, his average depth of target is 6.4 yards, and he only has five throws classed as ‘big-time’ by Pro Football Focus. In contrast, Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr has thirteen ‘big time’ throws, and an average depth of target of 11 yards.
The biggest knock on Penix is his accuracy, and while his completion percentage of 74.9 is solid, critics have highlighted that he doesn’t always throw the most catchable ball. With top-level receivers capable of special moments, Penix’s aim hasn’t been a major issue.
Both players are vying for QB3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, and this has the chance to be an epic matchup.
Prospects to watch…
Bucky Irving – Irving is an electric running back with top-end speed. His electric playmaking ability could give the Oregon offense the chunk plays needed to go head-to-head with the Huskies.
Khyree Jackson – A former backup at Alabama, Jackson has performed excellently since transferring to Oregon. He has four pass breakups and two interceptions, but this Washington receiving corp will test him to the max.
Rome Odunze – Choosing just one receiver from the Huskies’ stable is difficult, but Odunze should be drafted the highest. He has the size, and the track background that gives defensive backs fits.
Troy Fautanu – Part of Penix’s success in the Washington offense is the time he gets to throw. A big part of that is left tackle Fautanu. He gave his first sack up against Arizona, and while he may be best suited at guard in the NFL, he has had an excellent start to the year.
Prediction
Washington is a three-point favourite, and you have to think it is the home-field advantage giving them the edge. Couple that with an offense chock full of talent, and I can’t see Oregon being able to keep pace with the Huskies in this one.
Oregon 24-38 Washington
