Arizona Football has significant challenge against No. 12 Oregon

Picking up its first Pac-12 win of the season, Arizona Football (3-2, 1-1) hopes to continue its winning ways against No. 12 Oregon (4-1, 2-0).  

Fresh off of a big win over conference rival Colorado on Saturday evening, Arizona Football returns to action as they continue Pac-12 play.

Returning to action this Saturday for week six of the 2022 season, the Wildcats should have a difficult challenge on their hands as they take on a great opponent in the No. 12 Oregon Ducks.

Coming in, the Ducks are rolling and have proven to not only be one of the best teams in the Pac-12 North but in the Pac-12 period. Through five games, Oregon has outscored their opponents 203-151 en route to a 4-1 start.

While Arizona enters this one as a double-digit underdog, nothing is ever guaranteed in college football, and perhaps the Wildcats can score the upset. However, it is going to take one hell of an effort!

Getting to Know the details about Arizona Football’s opponent, the Oregon Ducks.

Team: Oregon Ducks

Conference: Pac-12 Conference

Current Record: 4–1 (2–0)

Head Coach: Dan Lanning enters his first season as head coach of the Oregon Ducks after previously serving as a positional coach and holding various other roles with several teams that include Pittsburgh, Arizona State, Sam Houston State, Alabama, Memphis, and most recently Georgia.

2021 Record: Finishing the 2021 season with a 10–4 (7–2) record, the Ducks ended their year with a 38–10 loss to conference foe Utah in Pac-12 Championship Game, followed by a 47–32 loss to Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.

Key Returners / Starters:

Offense

Despite losing their head coach, their starting quarterback, and a slew of offensive starters, the Ducks are still dangerous on offense, just as they always are.

With a sharp offensive mind in Kenny Dillingham as offensive coordinator, the Ducks run more of an up-tempo, pro-style offense. Oregon likes to spread the field and get the ball into the hands of its weapons.

Led by former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, the Ducks are elite, averaging 40.6 points per game. And through five games, Nix has completed 111-161 passes for 1,261 yards and 12 touchdowns to just three interceptions.

Out of the backfield, Oregon has several weapons! With Mar’Keise Irving, Noah Whittington, and Sean Dollars getting a majority of the work, Nix has also proven  a very capable runner, having compiled 261 yards and five touchdowns rushing so far.

Arizona’s rush defense will have its work cut out for itself this week as the Ducks are a very solid running team.

In the secondary, the Wildcats will be tested quite a bit. As previously stated, the Ducks like to spread the field, and they love to get the ball into the hands of their offensive weapons. In that case, look for Troy Franklin, Chase Cota, Terrance Ferguson, and Kris Hutson to get a majority of the targets.

Defense

Running more of a 4-2-5 defense, this is a group that loves to give different looks, whether it is sending four while the rest drop into coverage, or even blitzing five.

Overall, this is a solid group that is holding opponents to 30.2 points per game (thanks to Georgia) and 376.8 yards per game.

Largely led by its playmakers which include defensive back Bennett Williams, linebacker Noah Sewell, and edge rushers Brandon Dorlus and D.J. Johnson (younger brother to former Wildcat P.J. Johnson), this is a group that should challenge the Wildcats.

Along the defensive line, the Ducks have size and talent, and overall, they are an aggressive group that is holding opponents to just 94.6 yards rushing per game. Together, the Ducks have 11.0 sacks and 26.0 tackles for loss.

However, the secondary is where Oregon may struggle the most. Surrendering 282.2 yards passing and an average of 2.4 touchdowns per game, the Ducks are allowing opposing teams to complete 69.5 percent of their passes.

Led by Williams, Trikweze Bridges, and Christian Gonzalez, this is a group that should be tested by Arizona’s talented receiving corps; however, a lot will be contingent on whether Arizona’s line can negate Oregon’s aggressive defensive front, as well as keep Jayden de Laura vertical.

Arizona has to find a rhythm, move the ball, and stick to its strengths, otherwise, the Wildcats could be in store for a long game.

Game information and details for Arizona Football:

When: Saturday, October 8th, 2022

Time: 6:00 PM MST

Watch: Pac-12 Network

Spread: +10.5 Arizona (Also, don’t forget to use WynnBet or FanDuel to enhance your overall betting experience)

Where: Arizona Stadium – Tucson, AZ (50,782)

Overall Series Record: 28-18 Oregon. Having met several times in their collective history, this is a series that Oregon has controlled as of recent having won nine of the last 12 meetings. Arizona’s last win against the Ducks came in 2018 when the Wildcats dominated at home.

Last Meeting vs. Arizona: Last year in Eugene, the Wildcats battled, even trailing the Ducks 24-19 after the third quarter; however, Oregon ultimately became too much to handle, eventually running away in the fourth quarter and earning the 41-19 win.

My Prediction: Oregon 38 Arizona 27 – The good news is that Arizona scored the big win against Colorado last week. The bad news is that they are not playing a winless Colorado team this week.

Returning to action against the No. 12 Oregon Ducks, I do think Arizona keeps this one fairly competitive and close. But in the end, Oregon’s talent and rushing attack will prove too much as they ultimately pick up the win.

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