This weekend’s “Game of the Week” easily comes down to a Pac-12 matchup between No. 8 Oregon at No. 7 Washington with playoff and Heisman implications on the line for both squads.
Of course, both teams arrive undefeated and are led by a cast of transfers with Bo Nix, wide receiver Traeshon Holden, and defensive back Khyree Jackson headlining for the Ducks. While on the Huskies side, we’ll see Michael Penix, Jr. along with running back Dillon Johnson and wide receiver Germie Bernard leading the charges.
Both sides enter the matchup top-3 nationally in points per game, yards per game, and offensive efficiency, so we can expect to see some offensive firepower giving the defenses a chance to be the differentiators.
As mentioned, this battle will have some major implications on the Pac-12 Championship race, the College Football Playoffs, and undoubtedly, a win would give either Penix or Nix sole possession of the Heisman conversation.
Clutch quarterback play will be a massive storyline throughout Saturday and I believe, will be indicative of who prevails in a highly offensive clash between the Ducks and Huskies.
With the line currently in favor of Washington at -3.5, I think I’ll take the Ducks on the road to dig out a win. If the Oregon defense can somewhat limit the eccentric passing game of Penix, they can stalwart this Huskies offense. While a balanced attack from the Ducks and the veteran presence of Nix might just prove too difficult for this Washington defense to overcome.
