Check the stat sheet from last season’s matchup between Oregon and Arizona and one statistic stands out–65 rushes for 304 yards. With Ka’deem Carey carrying the ball 48 times for 206 yards and four touchdowns combined with quarterback BJ Denker running for over 100 yards, the Wildcats offense dominated Oregon en route to a 42-16 upset win.
Fast forward to the upcoming matchup between these two foes and it takes on an entirely different look. Denker and Carey have been replaced with two freshmen, while the Ducks’ quarterback Marcus Mariota is fully healthy. However, Rich Rodriguez’s offensive scheme looks to have plenty of reasons to be optimistic against a Don Pellum led defense that has been exposed in certain areas every week of this season. And as for the other side of the ball, there’s no telling as to what Mariota and company can’t do.
Matchups to Watch:
Oregon defense vs. Arizona offense
It’s really that simple and it will have a large impact on how the game plays out. Whether its through the air or on the ground, Oregon has yielded 408 yards per game to its opponents and ranks 101st in the FBS in total defense. Now facing a spread-minded attack with what was regarded as the best wide receiving corps in the conference heading into the year, the Ducks may have their hands full again.
However, as a true freshman behind center in Autzen Stadium, Anu Solomon is facing his toughest test as a quarterback at the collegiate level. He had success early on, throwing 13 touchdowns to just three interceptions, but playing on the road at Oregon will be an entirely different beast.
Oregon offensive line vs. Arizona defense
It won’t be just Arizona’s defensive line rushing after Mariota. After watching the tape of Oregon’s last game, it seems understandable to predict that the Wildcats defense will be using everyone from its front seven to the secondary to come after the quarterback. Mariota was sacked seven times in their last contest and at times the offensive line—a unit that is starting a walk-on and true freshman at the opposite tackle positions—looked entirely disheveled. Will they regroup and look more organized as a unit on Thursday night? It’s definitely a question worth asking.
Players to watch:
Oregon
Devon Allen and Byron Marshall: After the game at Washington State, offensive coordinator Scott Frost said that Allen, who averages over 20 yards per reception, was a big play waiting to happen on every down. The same holds true heading into this game as he accustoms into being one of Mariota’s top targets. In addition, with Mariota rolling out of the pocket more often in Oregon’s last game, Marshall became the obvious benefactor. If Frost elects to call the game the same way, the junior working primarily out of the slot now, could be targeted a lot.
Arizona
Anu Solomon: It hasn’t always looked pretty, but Arizona’s first year quarterback remains undefeated up to this point in the season. Averaging 43.6 passing attempts and 363. 5 yards per game, Solomon has performed capably through four games. Yet his decision making, as with any freshman, has been up for evaluation and the way he plays on Thursday will have an enormous affect on how Arizona executes.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise