Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe Oregon Ducks have been absolutely stunning over the last few weeks. They are leading the nation in scoring, they are second in rushing yards per game, and they are only allowing an average of four points per game. Most baseball teams would be happy with that average.Overall, very few things have not worked for Oregon. True, they have yet to play a truly tough opponent, and the only sign of adversity they have confronted was during the first quarter in Tennessee. But you can only be asked to play the games on your schedule, and Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
the Ducks could not have been more impressive so far.On the flip side, Arizona State had a similarly easy schedule in their first two weeks of the season, in fact playing the same Portland State team that Oregon just destroyed. But ASU was forced to face a true test of adversity, playing 11th-ranked Wisconsin in Madison last week. While the Sun Devils ultimately were beaten by the Badgers, they looked very impressive in the process.Arizona State is a very talented team, but the real key to this game has more to do with Oregon's focus. They must make sure they don't look past the Sun Devils in anticipation of their big showdown with Stanford the next week.The key to Arizona State is their fast-paced spread offense. They have a solid running game with a nice combination of thunder and lightning in Cameron Marshall and Deantre Lewis. But they rise and fall based on their veteran signal caller Steven Threet.Threet is poised, accurate, and a better athlete than he may appear to be. He runs the offense with confidence and almost pulled off a nifty comeback last week against Wisconsin.But Threet isn't mobile enough to give Oregon's linebackers too much trouble, and his arm isn't big enough to take advantage of the Ducks' cornerbacks, who are the closest thing to a weakness on the superb Oregon defense.The running game is solid, but it isn't better than Tennessee's, and we all saw how Oregon was able to adjust to the Volunteers.On the other side of the ball, ASU has a very good linebacker corps led by Vontaze Burfict. They are strong, but, most importantly, Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
they are fast. If the Sun Devils' defensive line can prevent the big guys from getting up field to open up holes, then linebackers can slow down the Ducks running game.However, the Oregon offensive line has been a handful to opponents. A big part of their success has been left tackle Darrion Weems. But according to Oregon Live Weems has missed practice all week and is questionable for this week's game. If Weems misses the game, the Ducks will need the right side of the offensive line to step up, and the tight ends will have to help open up holes.That being said, this Arizona State defense isn't a great deal different from the squad that Oregon blew out last year, and on paper this is a team that still is capable of crushing the Sun Devils.Darron Thomas has impressed in his first few games, and he should be able to give ASU's defenders fits. His athleticism should open up the door for his receivers to burn Arizona State's somewhat shaky defensive secondary.Overall, the key to this game will be special teams. Arizona State was able to mount a comeback against Wisconsin namely because of their ability to return kicks.So far Oregon has been extremely stout against returners, allowing only one return of 30 yards or more. There is no reason to believe that Oregon will have the same trouble with the Sun Devils' return game that Wisconsin had, since Oregon's defense is a lot deeper than the Badgers.But Arizona State showed some real explosiveness and I would be shocked if they were held in check. Look for either Kyle Middlebrooks for Omar Bolden to get a hold of another kick return and take it deep into Ducks territory.Oregon is definitely the favorite, but it will come down to how serious they take the Sun Devils. If they come out flat, ASU has the talent to make it interesting. But if Oregon gets out to a Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
quick lead, they have the type of running game that can hold that advantage.This will be a true mental test for the Ducks, and it could serve as a nice spring board to their showdown next week with Stanford.Look for Oregon to win this one, but ASU should make it interesting. Oregon is favored by 12 points; personally, I would take the under. This is a game the Ducks should be wary of although they ultimately will win by a touchdown.
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