[Austroturf]

I am a bit bemused by the optimists predicting a Cardinal victory.  Frankly, our only X-factor in this game is McKee, whose ceiling is still unknown.  But we know that our run defense is abysmal; and the Ducks have CJ Verdell, who is primed to rush for over 200 yards.  And we also know that our rushing offense is tepid at best, with an O-line that cannot seem to open any holes.  Let's also remember that Oregon's defense has now been molded into a much more robust unit since Cristobal's accession to the head coaching job, so if UCLA gave our running game fits, don't expect a downtick when we face Oregon.  In essence, our only hope is, once again, a shoot-out in which McKee plays lights out and is hitting targets downfield on the very first possession and throughout the game (not only in the second half).  Combine that with a few lucky turnovers, and we might have a puncher's chance.  But I don't quite see that happening.  The Ducks do to us what we did to the Trojans: 42-28 for the visitors (as much as it pains me to predict this).

[Austroturf]

I am a bit bemused by the optimists predicting a Cardinal victory.  Frankly, our only X-factor in this game is McKee, whose ceiling is still unknown.  But we know that our run defense is abysmal; and the Ducks have CJ Verdell, who is primed to rush for over 200 yards.  And we also know that our rushing offense is tepid at best, with an O-line that cannot seem to open any holes.  Let's also remember that Oregon's defense has now been molded into a much more robust unit since Cristobal's accession to the head coaching job, so if UCLA gave our running game fits, don't expect a downtick when we face Oregon.  In essence, our only hope is, once again, a shoot-out in which McKee plays lights out and is hitting targets downfield on the very first possession and throughout the game (not only in the second half).  Combine that with a few lucky turnovers, and we might have a puncher's chance.  But I don't quite see that happening.  The Ducks do to us what we did to the Trojans: 42-28 for the visitors (as much as it pains me to predict this).