In terms of what remains on the schedule for the 12th-ranked Oregon Ducks, Saturday afternoon’s showdown in Pullman versus Washington State is as pivotal a game as there is between now and the end of the season.
This game, for both teams, represents an opportunity to assume even greater control over the race for the Pac-12 North title. For Oregon, Saturday’s game will be its fourth consecutive against a ranked opponent – the first time that has happened since 1986. For Washington State, the Ducks’ arrival on the Palouse reflects their most difficult test to date, as it’s the first time this season that the Cougars have faced a ranked opponent.
In a game of this magnitude, there are countless factors at play that could conceivably turn the tide in one team’s favor or the other. However, we’ve done our best to boil it down and set table for what we believe will be the most critical factors that lead to potential Oregon victory.
On the eve of another season-shifting game, WFOD delivers its keys to victory for the Ducks.
1. Frustrate Minshew
This has proven to be far easier said than done. Despite breaking in three new starters along the offensive line this season, Washington State has done a masterful job of protecting quarterback Gardner Minshew. Certainly much of this has to do with the Cougars’ offensive philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on its quarterbacks getting the ball out quickly to receivers almost as a modified version of the running game. With that, there have been few occasions in which opposing defenses have been able to penetrate the Cougars’ offensive line and get home versus Minshew. In fact, Washington State has allowed just five sacks through six games – the lowest total in the Pac-12 this season. The good news for Oregon is that they have two of the conference’s best pass rushers in Jalen Jelks and Justin Hollins at their disposal, but they will likely need to have an above average game by their own standards in order to disrupt Minshew and the potent Cougar offense. This will be perhaps most unique challenge the Ducks face this season from an offensive perspective.
2. Punish the Cougars on the ground
As difficult as it will be for the Oregon defense to slow Minshew and the Washington State offense, it may prove just as challenging for the Cougar defense to slow the Oregon offense. Particularly on the ground, where the Ducks have proven to be one of the most physical teams in the trenches in the entire conference. Entering Saturday, the Ducks rank second in the Pac-12 in rushing offense (209.5 yards/game) thanks to an emerging ground attack led primarily by redshirt freshman CJ Verdell. Since conference play began, Verdell has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last three games and has been arguably Oregon’s most consistent offensive threat alongside Justin Herbert and Dillon Mitchell this season. The Cougars have been decent against the run, ranking fifth in the Pac-12 in rushing defense (148.2 yards/game) though they have yet to face an offensive line (or an offense, for that matter) that is comparable to what the Ducks possess. Oregon will need to leverage this notable advantage as much as possible in an effort to not only wear down the Wazzu defense, but also keep Minshew and the Cougar offense off the field. As odd as it is to say regarding an Oregon offense, ball control will be the name of this game.
3. Take the crowd out of it early
It may sound cliché, but in game that is as highly-anticipated and emotionally charged as this one figures to be, the key for the visiting team is staying poised and executing in order to quiet the home crowd and stem the home team’s momentum. If you’re Oregon, you’ll take explosion plays on offense and forced turnovers via the defense all day long. However, given the high-scoring nature of the Ducks’ opponent this weekend, a slightly different approach might actually be more instrumental in terms of securing the victory. Though the Ducks have big-play potential on offense, they may be at their best when they’re piecing together long, sustained drives that slowly chip away at the will of a defense. If the Ducks can dominate the line of scrimmage and control the game with their offensive line, it could go a long way towards taking the wind out of the raucous Martin Stadium crowd and begin sewing seeds of doubt on the Cougar sideline. This, of course, will need to be coupled with some key defensive series that force turnovers and/or quick three-and-outs when Leach’s offense takes the field, but overall, the Ducks have the means to impose their will and ensure this game is played on their terms.