Key to this game, IMO, is staving off any early Washington momentum. Think how the Beavs hung in the 2009 Civil War–by getting an early turnover for a TD. Same way they won the 2006 USC game. Getting early momentum. That's how inferior teams hang around and sometimes even win games. We know Washington will give their best, so early momentum could be an issue. If the Beavs withstand that I see the blowout.

I think Mannion may have his best game yet. Reason being, when you sit on the sideline that long you get a different perspective, and the game slows down. You observe someone else execute the offense, you note what they do wrong, and what you can improve. Plus you get hungry to get back out there. For all these reasons, I think Mannion will be a beast tonight.

Chat is now open, if people want to go there for the early Pac-12 games. Don't bombard this thread with comments about the Ducks. It makes it hard to navigate the thread.

I'm finally starting to get a feel for the Beavs. Last week I predicted a 27-13 final and got the margin of victory correct. And this week,  I feel more confident than ever in my prediction.

I've actually watched Washington quite a bit. Let me say this: they have a horrible defense. It might be the worst in a major conference, after West Virginia's. I know they're ranked 55th in total defense, and kept USC (overrated) in check, but the three teams (LSU, Arizona, and Oregon) they've played who have good offenses put up an average of 48 points. They are horrible.

Washington's offense loses more turnovers than the defense gains, too, so unlikely that will be a neutralizing force.

Beavs should be able to run, pass, whatever.

The Huskies offense is statistically worse than their defense, but if I'm the Beavs I'd be more worried about that unit. The QB is a good player, and the RB is decent. Luckily the line is horrible. We've beaten to death that Banker needs to stop mobile QBs yada yada. Since Washington's supporting cast is so bad, I think he can stack the box and come out looking good this weekend.

Even the Husky punter is terrible. They average 31.7 yards per punt, which is 115th in the country.

Just a horrible team. I am confident predicting complete domination, the only thing keeping the score down (compared to that 48 point average) being long sustained drives and a lot of rushing yards. This is the week they play a complete game.

41-17, Beavs

PS. Regarding the RB commit from Texas: disagree with the Michael Turner comparison. Turner is a little faster, less shifty, and more of a bulldozer. This guy jukes more. Doesn't have good top end speed, but shifty and seems to produce. Gotta add, I was not impressed with his competition at all. Best attributes are patience and vision–I think these are why he's so productive. I'm neutral on this verbal–since he relies on patience and vision, he'll need a great line, so a lot depends on that.

27-13, not a bad prediction (5-0 in Pac picks this week, but they were pretty easy)

I think you guys saw pretty much what I saw–a team playing their B game and winning by two TDs. Not bad. But not a great performance tonight. Utah handed them the game. Sans those four turnovers, which really weren't forced by the D, the Beavs would be 5-1. The offense laid an egg. The defense was very good, but I think Utah made them look good to some degree.

Like someone said in the other thread, Martin and Zimmerman as the future is terrifying. Especially Martin. Zimmerman is a converted player who is still early on in the learning process. Funny to see the closeup of #13 whiff on that one tackle (that was the only time I saw him all game lol).

Kostol another great game. No Romaine FG attempts again = good.

DJ Welch/Alexander is the best LB since Doggett. Love that guy's play.

One thing about Storm Woods–he's been getting some hype, but it always seems like he's one gear too slow or one shake away from the elusive big gainer. Looks more like a plodding 4yard type…Agnew actually has more breakaway ability. I wish Agnew could hang on to the ball. Use him between the 20s and Woods inside the red zone.

The O-line and defense won this game. Skill players didn't really show up. It's nice to have good trenches.

Been reading some SLC rags that think Utah has a legit shot at the upset. Apparently they are psyched for this game and hungry for a win. Then I saw this article on Riley worried about a let down.

ND losing, South Carolina losing, Beavs could jump to at least 6 with a win if these scores holdup. A lot on the line and a hungry Utah team has me nervous. Still taking the Beavs (because of the huge WR advantage over their secondary) but anxious.

Go Beavs

Except for the post season.

Imagine being a fan and watching a blowout vs a cupcake every week? It's probably cool for a while, but then you crave a real football game. Best analogy I can think of is playing Madden as a kid. The rookie level was fun for a few hours, but then I wanted to play a real game. Come on, Oregon–schedule some real opponents; bump your Madden level to sophomore.

Normally don't cover the Ducks here, but that game last night was brutal to watch, and I just had to say it.