Oregon Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season
Scouting Report. Eugene (Ore.). Washington Huskies. 5. player. 818. Pick Analysis. Oct. 3
In one of the most heated rivalries in the entire Pac-12, Washington and Oregon have been the best two teams in the North division of the conference in recent history and this game will carry a lot of implications. The winner of this game has won the division and conference in three of the past four seasons, so the stakes are always high when the Ducks and Huskies get together.
Both teams will have already had a big-time game under their belts with Oregon facing Ohio State and Washington facing Michigan in Week 1, so both will be battle-tested by the time they play.
Washington has a lot of questions to answer in light of Chris Petersen’s retirement and the promotion of Jimmy Lake from defensive coordinator to head coach. They will have a new quarterback and new starting running back on offense, but the defense should remain solid until the offense comes around.
Oregon will have to fight to win their third straight over Washington, but the defense should lead them to a low-scoring win.
Final Score: Oregon 27, Washington 20 (4-1, 2-0)
This is a game that that has all the makings of an upset. Cal returns the most overall production and experience of any Pac-12 team and will once again have one of the best defenses in the conference.
Cal has 17 starters returning and will hope that new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave can ignite what has been a stagnant offense in recent seasons and that could be the key to if it could challenge Oregon for the Pac-12 North title.
The defense will have to find a way to replace the nation’s leading tackler in linebacker Evan Weaver and defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins, who are now both in the NFL.
Cal has been known to be a tough opponent ever since Justin Wilcox took over as the head coach and have pulled upsets over ranked teams before. This game is at home and will be an excellent chance for the Bears to earn a statement win. I don’t have enough faith in their offense to pick them to beat a team of Oregon’s caliber, but Oregon should be careful all the same.
Final Score: Oregon 24, Cal 14 (5-1, 3-0)