Oregon Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
In many ways Arizona State is in a similar boat to Oregon. They missed out on a bowl game for the first time in years. They underachieved after what seemed a promising start. The main difference is that the Sun Devils still have their head coach after finishing under .500 in 2016.
ASU features a backfield of Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage that boasts one of the best two-pronged ground attacks in the country. Yet, paradoxically, the Sun Devils ranked as one of the worst teams in 2016 in terms of rushing yardage amassed. Graham needs to sort out the team’s issues quickly if he hopes to remain in Tempe beyond this season.
The showdown with the Ducks in Arizona is one of those ride-or-die contests that will determine the course of both teams’ seasons. Whichever team wins the showdown will have an inside track on bowl eligibility, while the other will be scrambling to find enough wins in the rest of the regular season to get there.
Last year’s game between the two teams saw Oregon put together one of its most complete performances of a mostly disappointing season. Though the Sun Devils should manage to keep it closer than last year’s blowout in Eugene, they are still likely to falter down the stretch in the conference opener for both teams. Late Royce Freeman touchdowns will likely be the difference as Oregon grinds down the clock to victory.
FINAL: Oregon 41, Arizona State 31 (4-0)