Keys to an Arizona Football victory over the No. 12 Oregon Ducks

Getting back into the win column against Colorado, Arizona Football returns to action against Oregon, and should they beat the Ducks, these are the keys to doing it. 

Week six of the 2022 Arizona Football season is here, and the Wildcats are riding high following their win over the lowly Colorado Buffaloes to improve to 3-2 on the season.

As Arizona turns its focus to No. 12 Oregon, the Wildcats will have a significant challenge on its hands as they hope to earn the upset.

Entering this one as double-digit underdogs against the Ducks, the Wildcats will arguably have their toughest challenge yet in this young season. To me, Oregon is still beatable; however, it is going to take one hell of an effort to earn the upset.

And if Arizona Football is going to knock off the Oregon Ducks, these are the keys to doing it!

Keeping Jayden de Laura vertical

Last week, the Wildcats did a great job in protecting quarterback Jayden de Laura. However, that was against lowly Colorado who has struggled on defense. Against Oregon, Arizona will be tested quite a bit.

Granted, the Ducks have had their fair share of struggles, particularly in the secondary; however, where they tend to excel is in pressuring the quarterback and collapsing the pocket. With 11.0 sacks and 26.0 tackles for the loss, this is an aggressive and active group that will test Arizona’s offensive line.

If Arizona’s offense wants to have any success, then they need to keep Jayden vertical and allow him to work within the pocket to get AND keep this offense rolling! If they can do that, they have a chance.

Better Tackling

What will likely be a constant theme with this group this season, this is still one of the key areas that the Wildcats’ defense needs to improve in and quickly.

Luckily, the Wildcats did okay here, but there were still far too many missed tackles, especially when you consider that it was against a struggling Colorado offense.

This week against Oregon, Arizona has to be better here if they want a chance to win. Should Arizona struggle against a talented team like like Oregon, it is going to be a long day.

Winning the Turnover Battle

Arizona did well in taking care of the football against Colorado. Granted, the Buffaloes are not a great football team; however, it is the little details about the game that makes a big difference.

If the Wildcats are going to beat the Ducks this weekend, then they need to play yet another clean game, especially when it comes to taking care of the football.

This is a group that is aggressive on defense and likes to force turnovers. If Arizona can protect the football and limit those extra possessions by the Ducks, they have a greater chance of winning.

Not Getting too far behind, too Early

In short, Oregon is a good team that can score in bunches, and Arizona’s defense AND offense have to be ready to play in this one.

To me, if Arizona is going to win, they are going to need the momentum, and should the Wildcats find themselves down against the Ducks early on, I do not like their chances of winning.

Arizona will have to be ready to play and keep this one competitive if they hope to score the upset against Oregon.

Still looking to lock in your bets ahead of the Wildcats’ weekend action against Oregon? Check out WynnBet or FanDuel for more betting options!