The last time WSU played in Eugene, it faced an Oregon backup quarterback. This time, they will likely once again face an Oregon backup quarterback.
No. 11 WSU Cougars (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) vs. Oregon (4-1, 1-1)
When/Where: Saturday Oct. 7, 5 p.m. at Autzen Stadium
TV/Radio: FOX
Latest line: WSU favored by 2.5 points
Coach: Willie Taggart is in his first season at Oregon. He came to Eugene from South Florida where he went 24-25 in a four-season rebuild process that culminated with the Bulls’ 10-2 breakthrough last year. Taggart’s tag line for the Ducks is “Do Something” and he’s trying to rebuild an Oregon program that was ranked No. 2 nationally as recently as 2014.
Most Read Sports Stories
Star Players:
RB Royce Freeman: Freeman is the active FBS leading rusher, and he’s reeled off 592 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns through the first five games of his senior season. However, Freeman left the Ducks’ game against Cal with a shoulder injury, and his status for WSU has yet to be determined. If he can’t play, the Ducks will turn to Kani Benoit, who had 18 carries for 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Cal.
OLB Troy Dye: After his breakout freshman season, Dye, a sophomore, is picking up right where he left off. He leads Oregon with 41 tackles, including a team-high 7.0 TFL. He also has three sacks on the year, with the most recent one coming against Cal quarterback Ross Bowers.
DE Jalen Jelks: Jelks, a junior, has become the leader of Oregon’s defense this year. He leads Oregon with 3.5 sacks, and also has four pass breakups. Jelks had a career day in the Ducks’ defeat to Arizona State, posting a stat line of nine tackles, including five for loss, and three sacks.
By the numbers:
10 – Total number of players on the injured list Saturday night coming off Oregon’s win vs. Cal.
52 – Number of penalties Ducks have amassed in five games. Worst in the country.