If the Ducks don’t get off to a good start this afternoon, not many could blame them. The talent gap between Oregon and Colorado is about as wide as the distance between Eugene and Boulder.
Oregon goes into this game (12:30 pm PST, ESPN) with the 1-7 Buffaloes at 31.5-point favorites. But the Ducks need a good showing in order to maintain their No. 8 ranking in the College Football Playoff standings.
They also need to stay healthy, especially in the receiver position that has suddenly become a bit thin without Chase Cota out there. He suffered a leg injury at California and won’t be available for this game today.
The schedule makers also did the Ducks a solid by having this contest during the day. It could have been at night in frigid temperatures, but the visitors received a break as the forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 55 degrees.
There are a few things to watch out for if you’re a fan of the Ducks.
Bo Nix is having a spectacular season and is starting to get some real Heisman traction. In a season where there is no clear favorite to win the prestigious award, Nix’s name is getting thrown out there. His stats back it up. He has accounted for 31 touchdowns (20 passing and 11 rushing), has completed 72 percent of his throws and is averaging 278 yards passing).
Assuming the game goes how everyone expects it to, backup quarterback Ty Thompson should receive some much-needed playing time.
Oregon’s leading receiver, Troy Frankin, had an off day last week in Berkeley. With the Ducks being down a man in that department, Franklin should see be a target numerous times against a suspect Buffaloes secondary.
Considering the altitude, this might not be much of a factor, but if the situation does arise, the Ducks could use some work in their kick coverage. They also need to watch out for punt returner Jordyn Tyson, who has an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown under his belt.
Overall Oregon needs to have a dominating performance and get out of didge with a win and come out unscathed.
Oregon 55, Colorado 13