Oregon Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season
By Zach Bigalke
Over the past few years, Mike Leach has turned Washington State from the laughingstock of the Pac-12 into a regular threat in the North. The Cougars first became a thorn in Oregon’s side two years ago, when they ended an eight-game losing streak to the Ducks with a 45-38 upset in Eugene. Last year the Cougars followed that up with a 51-33 rout in Pullman as they contended for the division title.
Leach has a veteran team returning this season, and Washington State will be hoping to capitalize on the momentum of the past few seasons to finally clear the 10-win hurdle for the first time since 2003. Luke Falk is back to terrorize Pac-12 secondaries, the Cougars have discovered a running game, and the defense brings back most of its key players from 2016.
Washington State has not won three straight against the Ducks since a four-year winning streak from 1981 through 1984. This year’s Cougars team has the talent to pull off a second straight win at Autzen.
The game will be close, but one of the country’s best teams at generating fumbles in 2016 will get a key turnover in the fourth quarter to preserve victory. This is the week when Oregon’s undefeated run under Willie Taggart comes to an end, but the Ducks will acquit themselves well as the first half of the season comes to a close.
FINAL: Washington State 38, Oregon 27 (5-1)