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Oregon Football: Game-by-game prediction for 2020 season

By Nick Fiore

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: The Oregon Ducks mascot "Puddles" celebrates with a rose in his mouth while the Ducks were defeating the Utah Utes 37-15 in the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: The Oregon Ducks mascot "Puddles" celebrates with a rose in his mouth while the Ducks were defeating the Utah Utes 37-15 in the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Washington State football
Max Borghi, Washington State football (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. vs. Stanford (Nov. 7)

Prior to Jim Harbaugh’s arrival Stanford had made ten bowl appearances in the past 38 years, from 2009-2018 under Harbaugh and current head coach David Shaw the Cardinal made 10 straight bowls. Last season was the first year since 2009 Stanford missed a bowl, and they might miss another this year.

With KJ Costello transferring to Mississippi State, Davis Mills will be under center. Mills was solid last year, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards but he’ll need to be better if Stanford is going to make any noise.

The rushing game struggled last year compared to what the Cardinal has been used to over the years with the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Bryce Love, Stepfan Taylor and Toby Gerhart.

On the defensive side of the ball, multiple starters from last year transferred out so there could be issues. Future early round pick cornerback Paulson Adebo is back and will be able to match up with the Ducks’ top receiver.

The issue is whose going to contain the rest of Oregon’s offense. The Ducks have a major advantage on both sides of the ball and should win this easily to open up their season

Final Score: Oregon 35, Stanford 14 (1-0)

2. at Washington State (Nov. 14)

Another game where the talent gap will be too big for the opponent to overcome. In the Ducks first meeting against new head coach Nick Rolovich, they should end up with a win. The Cougars had won four straight between 2015-18 before losing a close game last season, 37-35.

Washington State is transitioning from Mike Leach’s air raid offense to Rolovich’s run-and-shoot scheme. Even though they aren’t vastly different, it still could take some time for Rolovich to implement it properly, especially with the limited practices he’s had.

Rolovich will also have to figure out who can run his offense the best at quarterback between Cammon Cooper, Gunner Cruz and Jayden de Laura.

Oregon will have to contain running back Max Borghi, who will be a major part of the Cougars’ offense, but one guy isn’t going to break this defense. Washington State could really struggle putting up points early on. Oregon should roll easily.

Final Score: Oregon 38, Washington State 10 (2-0)

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