The Oregon Ducks jumped to No. 4 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll after their impressive 14-point win over the Washington State Cougars in Week 11. They will look to cement their standing in the top 4 this Saturday when they square off with the Utah Utes in a nationally televised matchup. Read our preview for a breakdown of this Oregon vs Utah game.
Oregon Ducks installed as +3 underdogs
Oregon extended its winning streak to five games with a convincing 38-24 victory over the Washington State Cougars. Anthony Brown Jr. once again starred for the Ducks, who improved to 9-1 for the season and 6-1 in conference play. They have now won their last 18 games at Autzen Stadium, including 14 consecutive victories at home over Pac-12 opponents.
Brown torched the Washington State defense both through the air and on the ground. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 135 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in the win against the Cougars. Brown also was Oregon's leading rusher, running for 123 yards and a score on 17 carries.
Brown got some help from running backs Byron Cardwell and Travis Dye, who combined for 186 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries. Oregon dominated the ground game in this encounter, outgaining Washington State, 306-91, in rushing yards.
The Ducks are 10th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 227.4 yards per game this season. Oregon has scored 31 rushing touchdowns through its first 10 games this campaign. The Ducks will look to establish the run against a Utah side that allowed 102 yards rushing in their Week 11 win against Arizona.
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Utah Utes enter Week 12 as -3 favorites
The Utah Utes will head back home with momentum on their side after beating the Arizona Wildcats, 38-29, in Week 11. Cameron Rising led the Utes, who have now won their last three outings to improve to 7-3 this season and 6-1 in conference play.
Rising completed 19 of 30 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win against Arizona. T.J. Pledger spearheaded Utah's ground attack, rushing for 119 yards and a couple of touchdowns. It was a crucial win for the Utes, who maintained their lead in the Pac-12 South standings. The Associated Press recognized Utah's excellent form with the Utes jumping back into their Top 25 rankings for the first time since mid-September.
For the Utes to continue their winning run against the Ducks, they will need to continue their stellar play on the offensive end. The Utes have scored at least 34 points in each of their last five games. They will be tested, though, by an Oregon side that is 43rd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 22.6 points per game this season.
Writer's Prediction
Oregon wins this key Pac-12 matchup.
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