Three bold predictions for WSU vs. Oregon

Boy, what a difference a win makes. The Washington State Cougars’ dominating win over the Colorado Buffaloes last weekend in the rain sure made things easier for Coug fans this week, didn’t it? Instead of lamenting a potential lost season, we have all sorts of good feelings.

Those positive vibes will continue if Wazzu pulls the upset in Eugene tonight. They’re about two touchdown underdogs, but as we explained yesterday, that hasn’t stopped WSU from coming away with a win at Autzen before. This year’s Ducks aren’t the Ducks of 2015-2018, as Craig pointed out in his preview, but anything can happen when a group of college kids get together to play a football game.

Will we see an upset? It’s a tall task, but if we do, it’ll probably be because the Cougar defense limits Oregon’s explosive and chunk plays. You can also listen to previews from The CougCenter Hour and Podcast vs. Everybody.

Washington State comes in at 4-3, two wins away from bowl eligibility. The Ducks are 6-1 and ranked no. 11 in the nation. They’re coming off an emotional win at Washington. Both teams are feeling pretty good. Let’s go.

Three Bold Predictions

Before getting to this week’s predictions, allow me to pat myself on the back for last week:

The ESPNU broadcast team mentions Max Borghi leaving Colorado to come to Pullman no less than five times. I’m counting on viewers at home keeping track. Oh, and Borghi goes for at least 120 yards and two total TDs.

Brandon Arconado goes for no less than 140 yards and three touchdowns in his return from injury, and he is named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week. We need you, Brandon.

Davontavean Martin, after recording zero stats last week and only one catch for four yards against Utah, roars back with two touchdowns on at least eight catches.

I didn’t nail any of them right on the head, but I came awfully close.

I was freezing my butt off at the game so I didn’t hear what the announcers had to say, but how about the second part of that one? Yahtzee! Borghi went for 162 total yards and two TDs.

Arconado had 109 yards and a TD. I missed on the numbers but nailed the fact that he’d come up big in his return. Thank you very much.

And Tay Martin had one TD on four catches, half of what I predicted, so I get partial credit. He still had minus-6 yards receiving, and you can blame that on the pop pass/fly sweep/whatever you want to call it.

Let’s get to this week!

1. WSU will score all of its points in the first and second quarters only.
2. Max Borghi will hurdle a defender along the Oregon sideline and will proceed to ask Jim Mastro, “How do you like that?!?!”*
3. Both teams return a kick for a touchdown, except Oregon will return two.

*Mastro was known to get on James Williams for hurdling guys. I know Borghi never played for Mastro, but Mastro did recruit him. And if Mastro is in the box and not the field, let’s go with Borghi picking up one of those phones and calling him to share his thoughts. That’d be awesome.

What do you see happening today?

Links

Football

Washington State seeks fifth straight win over Oregon, but faces Ducks team with more defensive bite | The Spokesman-Review
Anthony Gordon would’ve been a few bad injuries away from seeing the field the last time Washington State visited Oregon. So, because the quarterback never had to worry about strapping on a helmet, he was able to take in the ambience of one of the game’s most revered venues.

Two-minute drill: Keys to victory for Washington State against No. 11 Oregon | The Spokesman-Review
Don’t take your eyes off … Most probably didn’t anticipate Brandon Arconado being such a key figure in Washington State’s offense, but things came much easier for quarterback Anthony Gordon and the the Cougars with the “Y” receiver back in the fold against Colorado.

Duck Tape: Film Analysis of Washington State - Addicted To Quack
A preview of Oregon’s week 9 opponent in Autzen

Can Oregon Ducks defense finally contain Washington State’s nation-leading Air Raid attack? - oregonlive.com
The Cougars have been in the top 10 in passing in each of Mike Leach’s eight seasons, top five for the last seven and lead the country with Anthony Gordon behind center this season entering Saturday night’s game (7:30 p.m., ESPN) against the No. 11 Ducks.

ScoopDuck Predictions: Oregon vs Washington State Football | ScoopDuck
It's time for the team at ScoopDuck to unleash our predictions for this Saturday's contest with Washington State.

Scouting the Cougars: 5 questions, prediction with a Washington State writer - oregonlive.com
Insight on the Cougars from beat reporter Theo Lawson

Final pre-game thoughts: On Brenden Schooler’s departure, an injury update and five things to watch – The Athletic
Schooler’s decision this week to transfer once again puts the spotlight on Oregon’s wide receivers.

Why tomorrow night’s game against WSU is a trap game for Oregon (or not): Issues & Answers - oregonlive.com
News and commentary about Division I college football with an emphasis on the state of Oregon.

Basketball

Kyle Smith lands second commitment in 2020 class as T.J. Bamba pledges to Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
Kyle Smith opened the week without a single commitment in the 2020 recruiting class, but the first-year Washington State coach will close it with at least two.