Arizona State Sun Devils (4-5) 4-2 ATS, 0-7 O/U at No. 13 Oregon Ducks (7-2) 6-3 ATS, 6-3 O/U Saturday November 14, 2009 Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon 3:30 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: ASU +18/UO -18
Over/Under: 49
ASU takes on the University of Oregon this Saturday in a Pac-10 battle. Arizona State lost last weekend to the USC Trojans 14-9 as they struggled to get their offense going against the equally offensive woes of the Trojans. But it was the Trojans who held on and did just enough to beat the Sun Devils on their home field in Tempe.
ASUs Starting QB Danny Sullivan was picked off by USCs Will Harris for a pick 6. ASU head Coach Dennis Erickson pulled Sullivan in favor of freshman backup QB Brock Osweiler who finished the game 11 of 27 for 153 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The Sun Devil fans cheered when they realized Sullivan was being pulled. Sullivan has been consistently booed at ASU for his poor play. Its not clear who will start against the Ducks this weekend but it very well could be the freshman Osweiler.
The Sun Devils had 4 turnovers last week and will need to take care of the ball versus Oregon. Perhaps a QB change might help in that category albeit a freshman but sometimes a fresh body can add life to a struggling team. Either way, the Sun Devils are 0-3 this season against ranked teams, and UofO comes in ranked No. 13 in the country.
ASU is still hoping to sneak into a bowl game but they are running out of time. Oregon is certain to play in bowl game but they too must win out if they want a chance at all of grabbing the Pac-10 title given Stanford or USC falls short.
The Oregon Ducks will look to get back on track after they lost to the Stanford Cardinal 51-42 last weekend. The Quack Attack destroyed the USC Trojans two weeks ago 47-20 and appeared to be on cruise control towards the Pac-10 Title until Stanford knocked them back down to earth.
Oregon can score a lot of points as they are loaded with talented offensive players including QB Jeremiah Masoli who was 21 of 37 for 334 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Ducks rushing game was led by LaMichael James who rushed for 125 yards on 18 carries and 1 TD. Jamess longest run was a 60-yard sprint for a touchdown.
The Ducks do a great job of spreading the ball around as they had five different players carry the ball and Masoli completed passes to eight different receivers. For a defense, facing a team with such a diverse distribution on offense is unsettling. The Sun Devils will need to be on top of their game not only offensively but their defense will be the key factor.
ASU is averaging 24.1 points per game while they allow 18.4 to their counterparts. Oregon is averaging 36.3 ppg and giving up 20.9 points per contest.
ASU tends to be tough against the rush as they only allow 87 yards on the ground but give up 204 in the air. Oregon allows 136 on the ground and 187 through the air.
The line on this game opened at Oregon -16 with the total at 48. The offshore odds at most online casinos have OU -18 with the total between 48 and 49 depending on the casino. The Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook currently has OU -18 but the lines may move again before Saturday, so be sure to check your favorite casinos for the most current action.
ASU may have a change at QB this week in Osweiler which might bring them the life and plays they need to hang with the Ducks. Oregon will be tough as nails at home like usual.
Wilsons Pick: OU 42, ASU 14. Oregon is too good at home! Luck to ya.