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Oregon Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Arizona State

By Connor Muldowney

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Autzen Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 42-35. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Autzen Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 42-35. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Oregon football will look to remain hot against Arizona State on Saturday night with some #Pac12AfterDark action.

Under the direction of Willie Taggart, Oregon football seems to be on the rise. The Ducks are trending in the right direction and it’s all thanks to the former South Florida head man. In fact, they are 3-0 to start the season and ranked No. 24 in the nation after a horrid 2016 campaign.

With Justin Herbert leading the offense, not much can go wrong. The stud sophomore has passed for 897 yards and five touchdowns while completing about 72 percent of his throws. He’s done all this even without Darren Carrington who was dismissed from the program this offseason and he was expected to be the No. 1 receiver.

Royce Freeman is back to his old self as well, rushing for 460 yards and nine touchdowns through three games. That’s Heisman-worthy.

On the other side, Arizona State will play host in one of the bigger upset alerts of Week 4. The Sun Devils are led by Manny Wilkins who beat out Alabama-transfer Blake Barnett under center. He’s passed for 924 yards and seven touchdowns with a near-70 percent completion rate.

The Sun Devils, however, are just 1-2 on the season after losses to San Diego State and Texas Tech in the past two weeks. Will they have enough firepower to beat Oregon? Anything can happen in #Pac12AfterDark.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Oregon vs Arizona State game:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: Tempe, Ariz.
Venue: Sun Devil Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Network
Live Stream: Pac-12 Live

Keys to Victory

For Oregon to come out on top here, they will have to control the line of scrimmage and contain Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard. Make Manny Wilkins burn you with his arm since he hasn’t played a tough defense yet. Offensively, getting the run game going with Freeman will be key. Establish the run to open up the pass game. Don’t just rely on the aerial attack.

As for Arizona State, keeping Justin Herbert uncomfortable in the pocket will play a major role. When given time to throw the ball, he can shred just about any defense. Offensively, it’s time to get Richard and Ballage going so Wilkins isn’t carrying the load.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 3

Prediction

The Oregon revenge tour in Pac-12 play begins Saturday night, but this game is more continuing what happened last season when the Ducks beat the Sun Devils by 19. Justin Herbert and Royce Freeman will be just too much for a mediocre Arizona State defense and this loss could signal the end of the Todd Graham era in Tempe. Freeman approaches 200 yards and Herbert puts up 300 and three scores.

Final Score: Oregon 41, Arizona State 27

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