10/24/19 Emerald Media - Gameday Edition

GAMEDAY

LEADING

the FLOCK THE DUCKS ARE OFF TO THEIR BEST START IN YEARS — BUT WHO HAS STOOD OUT THROUGH SEVEN GAMES?

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GAMEDAY Oregon Ducks Jacob Breeland at play. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald)

JACOB BREELAND’S ABSENCE LOOMS LARGE OVER OREGON’S TIGHT END CORPS BY: Oscar Duyck Injuries are a fact of life in football, and Oregon has had its fair share of them in 2019. Now, Oregon is attempting to fill a Jacob Breelandsized hole at tight end after he sustained a left leg injury that will cost him the rest of his senior season.

His absence was felt in the first half against Washington, a stretch in which the Oregon offense struggled to get going and Justin Herbert was seemingly missing a reliable thirddown target.

“It’s tough for him,” tight end Hunter Kampmoyer said on Oct. 15.

“It’s tough for all of us.”

Breeland dominated in the six

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games he suited up for this season and was arguably one of the best tight ends in college football. He had 26 receptions for 405 yards and six touchdowns — and the HerbertBreeland connection was as potent as any in the country.

However, Breeland’s absence will now provide opportunities for Kampmoyer, Spencer Webb and Ryan Bay to replicate that kind of production.

“It’s really unfortunate to see a teammate, a friend go down like that,” Kampmoyer said. “We need to step up. e season’s going to continue. We all need to step up our

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roles.”

Webb answered the call against the Huskies. e freshman had the best game of his young career, hauling in two passes for 31 yards and a touchdown — the second of his career.

Webb came to Oregon as a fourstar recruit and consensus top 10 tight end in the class of 2018.

He spent a large chunk of the season at wide receiver due to the high volume of injuries the receiving corps dealt with, but now that Breeland is out, Webb at tight end could see his targets and touchdown opportunities increase.

Veterans Bay and Kampmoyer will have to be factors in the passing game as well. Bay has not been a focal point in the receiving game for the Ducks for much of his career, but he has a lot of experience. “ ose guys, they’ve logged a lot of football, and they understand our systems really well,” head coach Mario Cristobal said of Bay and Kampmoyer. “Complete confidence in them entering this football game.”

Bay has not registered a reception since the Montana game. He hauled in a touchdown against Nevada but he has not proven to be a consistent red zone threat.

Oregon Ducks tight end Hunter Kampmoyer at play. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald)

Kampmoyer has been even quieter on the receiving front — his only reception came against Nevada in September.

Kampmoyer and Bay were used mostly as perimeter blockers to support the run game against Washington and the upstart rushing attack in the second half proved to be the difference in the game. Cristobal praised both Kampmoyer and Bay in Saturday’s post-game interview, commending them on their run blocking.

“Can’t say enough about both Ryan Bay and Hunter Kampmoyer with their efforts in the running game,”

Cristobal said. “And their protection as well — they did a really good job of protecting the quarterback.”

Deeper down on Oregon’s depth chart is Patrick Herbert, younger brother of Justin Herbert. Patrick has appeared in two games this season and could be called upon if another tight end goes down.

Injuries are a part of football and Oregon will need to find a way to replace Breeland’s production. With Bay and Kampmoyer ready for the challenge, they’ll look to make a statement Saturday night at Autzen Stadium.

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OREGON OREGON OFFENSE Penei Sewell No. 58 LT Shane Lemieux No. 68 LG Jake Hanson No. 55 C Dallas Warmack No. 75 RG Calvin Throckmorton No. 54 Jacob Breeland No. 27 TE Juwan Johnson No. 6 WR Jaylon Redd No. 30 WR Johnny Johnson III No. 3 WR CJ Verdell No. 7 RB Justin Herbert No. 10 QB

WASHINGTON STATE OFFENSE So. Sr. Sr. Sr. RT

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr.

DE NT DT STUD MLB WILL SAM CB CB S S

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

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No. 63 No. 42 No. 96

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Nnamdi Oguayo Dallas Hobbs Will Rodgers III Willie Taylor III Jahad Woods Justus Rogers Pat Nunn Marcus Strong Bryce Beekman Skyler Thomas Daniel Isom

No. 30 No. 98 No. 92

E NT T No. 27

No. 53

R-Sr. R-So. Jr. RUSH

WIL

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No. 37

MIKE No. 32 NICKEL No. 4 CB Sr. No. 26 FS R-Jr. No. 25 SS No. 3 CB R-Jr.

So. Sr. Jr.

Tyler Williams No. 76 Oscar Draguicevich III No. 94 Blake Mazza No. 40 PK

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WASHINTON STATE SPECIAL TEAMS

OREGON SPECIAL TEAMS Karsten Battles Blake Maimone Adam Stack

Liam Ryan Robert Valencia Frederick Mauigoa Josh Watson Abraham Lucas Rodrick Fisher Brandon Arconado Renard Bell Dezmon Patmon Max Borghi Anthony Gordon

WASHINGTONSTATEDEFENSE

OREGON DEFENSE Gus Cumberlander No. 45 Jordon Scott No. 34 Austin Faoliu No. 99 Bryson Young No. 56 Isaac Slade-Matautia No. 41 Troy Dye No. 35 La’Mar Winston Jr. No. 32 Thomas Graham Jr. No. 4 Deommodore Lenoir No. 6 Jevon Holland No. 8 Brady Breeze No. 25

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COVER

MIDSEASON AWARDS: WHO STANDS OUT DURING

ONE OF OREGON’S STRONGEST SEASONS? The Daily Emerald midseason awards are in. Voted on by all eight members of the Emerald sports desk, we highlighted some of the standout performers through seven games of the 2019 Oregon football season.

BY: Shane Hoffmann and Brady Lim BEST PERFORMANCE: JUSTIN HERBERT VS. NEVADA (3 VOTES) Facing off-the-charts expectations heading into his senior season, Justin Herbert has been consistently excellent leading the nation’s now-No. 11 team in 2019. e highlight of his season so far came in Week 2 against Nevada, when he unloaded on the Wolf Pack for 310 yards and five touchdowns — in three quarters — en route to a 77-point offensive explosion. e performance was undoubtedly big on the stat sheet, but it was also big

considering the context of the season. Oregon had just come off a heartbreaking loss to Auburn in which the offense went cold down the stretch and ultimately cost the Ducks a game that they led for all but nine seconds. Herbert’s performance against Nevada was a statement as much as it was just another win over a Mountain West opponent, and the most impressive single-game performance by a Duck this season.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: VERONE MCKINLEY III VS. COLORADO (1), JACOB BREELAND VS. NEVADA (1), KAYVON THIBODEAUX VS. CAL (1), JUSTIN HERBERT VS. WASHINGTON (1), CYRUS HABIBI-LIKIO VS. WASHINGTON (1)

MVP: PENEI SEWELL (4 VOTES) e offensive line is consistently the least talked about position in football.

Sometimes, although few and far between, a prolific talent garners the attention of his fellow teammates, starting a national conversation. Oregon’s Penei Sewell has done that and more, drawing the attention of commentators, analysts and scouts, and even landing a post-game interview — a rarity for someone of his position.

Sewell has been the nation’s best offensive tackle and looks to be a lock for

the first round of the NFL Draft in only his second season. He’s anchoring one of the nation’s best lines as he makes weekly highlight reels with his near-flawless pass protection on Justin Herbert’s blind side and road-grading blocks in the run game.

He’s won three Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week awards and is on nearly every outlet’s midseason AllAmerican team. With unmatched strength and speed, Sewell has become the heart and soul of the 6-1 Ducks.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: JUSTIN HERBERT (3), TROY DYE (1)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JACOB BREELAND (5 VOTES) Before tight end Jacob Breeland’s season was cut short after injuring his knee against Colorado, he was Oregon’s most explosive offensive weapon.

After fellow tight end Cam McCormick was ruled out for the season without appearing in a game, Breeland decisively took the starting job.

Furthermore, with a bevy of injuries to various wide receivers, Breeland stepped in and instantly became Herbert’s favorite target. In six games, he racked up a total of 405 yards on 26 catches and six touchdowns.

Breeland was consistent, recording at least 47 yards in every outing and scoring a touchdown in all but one game.

He made contested grabs all over the field and was a demon in open space, recording a huge chunk of his yards after the catch. Additionally, he was often the go-to target on third down, a presence which Herbert and the Ducks sorely missed against Washington.

Luckily for Breeland, his impressive performance, while cut short, should ensure him a future in the NFL.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: JAYLON REDD (1), PENEI SEWELL (1), JUSTIN HERBERT (1)

DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: KAYVON THIBODEAUX (6 VOTES) Despite losing out on the starting job to senior Gus Cumberlander, Kayvon ibodeaux was a key piece of Andy Avalos’ defense from day one; when Cumberlander was lost for the season, ibodeaux’s full talent was realized.

With a towering frame and blazing speed, he has been living in opponents’ backfields. Oregon leads the conference with 22 sacks, and while ibodeaux is OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: MASE FUNA (2) Ducks defensive end Kayvon ibodeaux (5) high fives ducks fans as he goes to the locker room.

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only responsible for two and a half of those, his impact has been undeniable.

While he doesn’t always get home, his athletic prowess alone has been enough for him to become a disruptive presence on the defensive line. Whether he’s pinning his ears back and blowing by tackles off the edge or tracking down a running back with defensive back-like speed, he jumps off the screen.

BEST POSITION GROUP: FRONT SEVEN (5 VOTES) Up until last week’s 35-31 win against Washington, Oregon’s defense had been near flawless, and many would likely argue that was due to the secondary. An argument could certainly be made for both, but it has been hard to ignore the front seven’s impact thus far.

Even after last week’s shootout, Oregon ranks second in the conference in defense, just barely behind Utah’s dominant unit. ey’ve allowed just one more point than the Utes and just 30 more yards per game.

Where Oregon’s defense differs is in its sack (22) and interception (13) numbers, both of which are conference leading. e front seven is made of playmakers. e group is deep and multi-talented, but

the one thing they all have in common is a relentless motor and nose for the ball, something Avalos has invoked — a different player has led the defense in tackles each week.

Whether it’s the hulking bodies up front or the speedy, yet powerful edge rushers, the unit has bullied opponents in the trenches.

Behind them, the linebackers have been equally impressive. Although his stats have been greatly marginalized, Troy Dye has been just as effective as ever and the new starter at inside linebacker, Isaac SladeMatautia, is wreaking havoc week in and week out.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: SECONDARY (2), OFFENSIVE LINE (1)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JEVON HOLLAND (5 VOTES) Holland was outstanding as a true freshman in 2018, but he’s taken his game to an entirely different level in 2019 — all while switching from safety to nickel corner.

He leads the team in interceptions for the second year in a row, is fourth on the team in tackles and has also served as one of the more effective punt-returners in the nation.

Voted a midseason first-team All-

American by Athlon Sports, Holland has grown into a leadership role among one of the best secondaries in the conference and has shored up the only weakness he displayed in 2018 — run support.

As Holland goes, so goes the Oregon defense. And both have been fantastic through seven games.

OTHER RECEIVING VOTES: ISAAC SLADE-MATAUTIA (1), TROY DYE (1), DEOMMODORE LENOIR (1)

OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: MYCAH PITTMAN (8 VOTES) Oregon brought in its best freshman class in program history in 2019, and Mycah Pittman has risen to the top of that offensive group in just three games.

He missed the first four games of the season with a shoulder injury suffered in fall camp but has hit the ground running, instantly positioning himself as one of Herbert’s go-to targets. After catching seven passes for 100 yards over his first

Ducks safety Jevon Holland (8) celebrates a tackle. (DL Young/Emerald)

two career games, Pittman broke through against Washington for his first touchdown of the year on a critical fourth-and-3 play that was one of the defining moments in the game.

Working both in the slot and out wide, Pittman figures to be a staple in the Oregon passing game moving forward as he continues to work into mid-season form.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: NONE

BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JOHNNY JOHNSON III (5 VOTES) Johnny Johnson III struggled mightily with drops for much of 2018 and eventually lost his starting spot despite being one of the team’s more experienced receivers. is season has been a remarkably different story. Johnson immediately established himself as one of the most reliable targets in the passing game against Auburn, catching seven passes for 98 yards against a stout Tigers defense. His 389

receiving yards in 2019 already far surpass last year’s total of 215, and he’s caught 30 passes in seven games as opposed to 17 receptions in 13 games in 2018. e questions surrounding the receiving corps were rampant throughout the offseason, and Johnson represented one of the most prominent mysteries. rough seven games in 2019, he’s risen to the challenge.

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: JEVON HOLLAND (2), JAYLON REDD (1) Wide Receiver Mycah Pittman (4) attempts to shake off the tackle. (Ben Green/Emerald) T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 9

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GAMEDAY

OREGON CONTINUES TO FOCUS

ON THE LITTLE THINGS AFTER HUGE WIN AGAINST WASHINGTON BY: Clayton Franke @clayfranke1

Ducks outside linebacker Mase Funa (45) tackles the Husky’s tailback Salvon Ahmed (26). (DL Young/Emerald)

Coming off a monumental win over Washington, the Ducks plan to keep their focus on the details and fundamentals as they prepare for Washington State this weekend.

“We refuse to acknowledge things as being little.

We make them all very important,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “I think that type of attitude has helped us understand the importance of not having careless penalties.” ere are still some details that need to be improved, including some errant snaps from center Jake Hanson. “ ere is no trick solution to it, you have to be completely, utterly, perfectly and technically sound when you snap the football,” Cristobal said. e Ducks need this type of precision in every

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aspect of their game, and they need it to carry over from practice to the weekend.

Winning against the Huskies certainly gives the Ducks a momentum boost, but Oregon finds itself pitted against another tough Pac-12 opponent with a high-powered offense this week.

“We like to start on the march back to the locker room to get refocused,” Cristobal said of his strategy to reel his team back in after a big victory.

Even as the leaders of the Pac-12 North, the Ducks won’t take anything for granted in their preparations.

Cristobal is keen on maintaining a competitive edge at all times, saying, “Every week is like a playoff game.” ere’s no exception this week, considering the Ducks have lost to Washington State

four years in a row for the first time since 1981-1984. e win over the Huskies did not come without a cost, however, as several key players suffered injuries. Troy Dye broke his thumb in the first quarter, later returning to the game after a cast was applied. He then proceeded to break the cast, which was hardly a setback for him in a game of that caliber. Given the nature of his postgame interview, it would be hard to believe Cristobal could keep him off the field, although he admitted Dye has been limited “a little bit contact-wise.”

Additionally, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir left the game for good Saturday after a tackle in the second quarter. He left the field under his own power, and Cristobal seemed very confident Monday that “he will be ready to go” for the game against the

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Ducks inside linebacker Troy Dye (35) gets in a heated argument with Huskies tight end Jack Westover (37). . (DL Young/Emerald)

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Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws from the pocket. (DL Young/Emerald)

Cougars. Lenoir has been a big part of Oregon’s secondary and his return is critical, as replacements DJ James and Mykael Wright were targeted in his absence.

Another major injury for the Ducks was CJ Verdell, who left with a soft tissue strain, but there were no worries from the head coach about the health of the running back, saying he “feels good” about the situation.

It’s crucial for the Ducks to maintain a disciplined mentality this week. Oregon could be at risk of a Washington “hangover” this week,

and there’s always a chance last week’s victory could’ve been a little too sweet. e Ducks need to avoid a repeat of last year, when they suffered a loss to Gardner Minshew in Pullman a week after their dramatic overtime win over the Huskies. However, Cristobal intends to keep the focus at practice as razor sharp.

“Preparations go on as usual,” Cristobal said. “It’s taken a lot to get to this point in the season, and it’s going to take a heck of a lot more the rest of the way to accomplish the things that we want to.”

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GAMEDAY

MATCHUPS BY: Oscar Duyck

Oregon secondary vs.

Washington State’s passing game

Oregon Ducks safety Jevon Holland looks to make a tackle. (Devin Roux/Emerald)

Washington State’s offense relies heavily on its passing game. Head coach Mike Leach has built his reputation on the air raid offense, and Washington State uses offense to overpower opponents through the air and light up the scoreboard.

Washington State leads both the Pac-12 and nation in passing with 440 yards per game. e Cougars also lead the Pac-12 in total yards per game (532).

Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon is the nation’s leading passer and needs 19 more yards to break 3,000 yards passing on the season. Gordon has thrown an eye-popping 29 touchdowns in 2019, which is tied for first in the nation, according to ESPN. However, the Cougars’ commitment to the passing game has not been as successful as in years past. e team is 1-3 in conference play and the air raid offense is, at times, one

dimensional. e Cougars are last in the Pac-12 in rushing yards per game, averaging a paltry 92 yards on the ground. e Oregon secondary has been elite this season. Although sometimes struggling against Washington, the secondary got a critical fourth-down stop in the final moments of the game.

Gordon will look to throw the ball once again on Saturday.

Defensive backs Jevon Holland and omas Graham Jr., along with other members of the secondary, will have plenty of chances to force turnovers.

Holland is tied for second in the conference in interceptions with three, and cornerback Verone McKinley III is tied for third-most with two. As a team, Oregon ranks first in the conference, allowing only 178 yards through the air and conceding only six touchdowns. e unit has 12 interceptions this season, which leads the Pac-12.

ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON STATE Oregon’s running backs vs.

Washington State’s run defense ere have been times this season when Oregon’s ground game has stalled, but as of late, the rushing attack has improved.

Washington State is not a program typically known for its defense, and this season is no different. e Cougars are 10th in the conference in rushing yards e Washington State mascot hypes up the crowd. (Devin Roux/Emerald)

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allowed, giving up an average of 177 yards a game on the ground.

With that being said, the Cougars have recovered 11 fumbles this season, which is the highest in the conference. However, not all of those fumbles were against opposing running backs.

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Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert looks to make a pass. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald)

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the Washington defense last week, and his power running has proven critical at times this season.

Against the Huskies, HabibiLikio rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown — all in the second half.

CJ Verdell will look to rebound after rushing for only 48 yards on 11 attempts against the Huskies.

Against Colorado, Verdell gashed Colorado’s defense to the tune of 171 yards.

Washington State is eighth in the conference in points allowed this season, conceding 28 points per game. e Cougars will lean on linebacker Jahad Woods to make stops. e junior from San Diego leads the team with 66 total tackles. He also has two

sacks and a forced fumble on the year. Woods will have his hands full against an Oregon offense that has multiple playmakers at running back and one of the most experienced offensive lines in the nation.

Washington State will need other defenders such as linebacker Justus Rogers to step up. e Bellevue, Washington, native has 36 total tackles and a sack on the year. e Cougars’ defensive line will need to win at the line of scrimmage against the powerful Ducks’ line, primarily left tackle Penei Sewell, who has looked like a future first-round NFL Draft pick so far this season.

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GAMEDAY

PLAYERS TO WATCH BY: Noah Noteboom @noah_boom23

Washington State MAX BORGHI / RUNNING BACK / WASHINGTON STATE In an offense that’s leading the nation in passing yards per game and is fourth in total offensive yards, running back Max Borghi is a dual-threat player that fits Washington State’s scheme perfectly. His 36 catches are second on the team and is leading all running backs in the Pac-12. Despite the fact that the Cougars have yet to run the ball more than 21 times in a game, the sophomore running back

is averaging an astounding 7.3 yards per carry and is just a few carries away from surpassing his 2018 total. Borghi was all over the field for the Cougars last year in a win against Oregon.

He recorded 40 rushing yards and seven receptions for 51 yards, as well as a touchdown.

Keep an eye on the Washington State backfield as a safety valve for quarterback Anthony Gordon.

MARCUS STRONG / CORNERBACK / WASHINGTON STATE After Washington State’s 38-13 loss to No. 12 Utah, defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys resigned from the program, leaving the Cougars with major questions on the defensive side of the ball. Marcus Strong and the rest of Washington State’s defensive backs have looked lost at times during conference play, allowing 1,345 passing yards in four games.

After three consecutive losses allowing an Washington State running back Max Borghi moves the ball. (Devin Roux/Emerald)

average of 47 points per game, Strong rallied the defense and held Colorado to 14 points and 141 passing yards. In that game, he intercepted Colorado quarterback Steven Montez for Strong’s second interception of the season.

Heading to Autzen Stadium and facing Justin Herbert — who re-entered the Heisman race with his comeback against Washington — will be Washington State’s biggest test of the year.

Oregon

CALVIN THROCKMORTON / OFFENSIVE LINE / OREGON Calvin rockmorton was named Pac12 Offensive Lineman of the Week after his performance against the Washington Huskies. He was also named a mid-season All-American by CBS Sports along with offensive line teammate Penei Sewell. rockmorton, a senior, has allowed just one

sack in his previous 38 games. rockmorton has continued to stay healthy and start 45 consecutive games for the Ducks. Many are predicting him a top-3 offensive lineman for the 2020 NFL Draft. Watch for rockmorton and Oregon’s offensive line to control the line of scrimmage against Washington State.

JAYLON REDD / WIDE RECEIVER / OREGON Jaylon Redd continued his hot streak against Washington, catching another two touchdown passes to further extend his games with a touchdown catch to seven games; that streak is now tied for the longest in the FBS. He scored the game-winning touchdown against No. 25 Washington on a jet sweep and a good block from Brenden Schooler, who is reported

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to be transferring from the program. In his freshman and sophomore years, Redd caught a combined six touchdowns; in a breakout junior year, he has already surpassed those numbers in seven games. Look for Redd to prolong his scoring streak to seven against a sputtering Washington State secondary.

Ducks wide reciever Jaylon Redd (30) runs after the reception. (DL Young/Emerald)

GAMEDAY Oregon faces off with Washington State. (Devin Roux/Emerald)

DEEP DIVE INTO WASHINGTON STATE BY: Charles Gearing @GearingCharlie On Saturday, the No. 11 Oregon Ducks will host Washington State head coach Mike Leach and his Cougars at Autzen Stadium. e Ducks, now sitting comfortably atop the Pac-12 North, have had plenty of success so far in 2019. After losing 34-20 to a dominant Cougars squad in last year’s matchup in Pullman, the Ducks will be looking for revenge at home.

With a 4-3 record and currently sitting in fifth place in the Pac12 North, Washington State has struggled so far this year.

Washington State may not be playing at the same caliber as in past years, but Leach’s game plans have been instrumental in finding success against the Ducks in past years — the Cougs have defeated the Ducks in their last four meetings, putting up more than 30 points in each contest.

Under Leach, the Cougars have been known to run an extremely effective air-raid offense. And

although struggling overall in 2019, they have certainly replicated that high-powered passing game thus far, and quarterback Anthony Gordon has been putting up massive numbers for the Cougars since taking over for now-NFL starter Gardner Minshew. Gordon leads the nation in total passing yards, tallying 2,981 on the season. e senior quarterback also leads the nation in passing touchdowns, tying LSU’s Joe Burrow with 29.

A talented group of receivers has been crucial to the success of the Washington State air raid. Six-foot senior Easop Winston Jr. leads the Cougars’ receiving corps with 47 receptions for 578 yards and nine touchdowns at an efficient 12.3 yards per catch. Winston ranks 23rd nationally in receiving yards and 10th in receiving touchdowns.

Although Winston has been the primary target in the Cougar passing game, Washington State has a

multitude of other options through the air — most notably, senior wideout Dezmon Patmon. Patmon has proven himself to be incredibly explosive, tallying 31 receptions for 481 yards at 15.5 yards per catch and five touchdowns.

While it’s been mostly successful through the air, the Washington State offense has been plagued by inconsistency and turnovers. Gordon has thrown seven interceptions so far in 2019, which presents a unique opportunity for a highly touted, opportunistic Oregon secondary. e Cougars’ rush offense possesses fewer weapons but has been successful nonetheless.

Sophomore running back Max Borghi has stood out as their top producer, handling 70 carries for 512 yards, a 7.3-yard average and six touchdowns.

On the other side of the ball, the Washington State defense has been underwhelming thus far in 2019,

performing particularly poorly in conference matchups with UCLA, then-No. 19 Utah and then-No. 18 Arizona State, where they allowed 67, 38 and 38 points, respectively.

On Oct. 4, just days after falling to Utah, Washington State’s secondyear defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys resigned from his post after coaching only 18 games with the Cougars.

Despite sputtering on the defensive side, the Cougars have the talent to improve as the season progresses. With the help of a stout group of defensive backs, the Cougars rank fourth in the Pac-12 in interceptions, tallying 12 on the season thus far. e Ducks may have the upper hand in this matchup, but they will definitely have to earn a win. With a dangerous air attack and a hungry defensive squad in Washington State, Oregon will have to play to its peak ability.

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