ASU Predictions, Players of the Week, Etc.
Monday, November 16, 9:30 a.m. PST
You know you're getting spoiled when a 23-point victory is almost disappointing, but the bottom line is the Ducks improved to 8-2 and 6-1 in the Pac-10 with their ho-hum home win against Arizona State. Those are records we can only dream of when it comes to the Duck Feed predictions. To the picks...
1. Cliff Harris intercepts the second pass of his career.
Incorrect. I was tempted to call for a touchdown for the true frosh, who made his first of what will likely be a long run of starting assignments at cornerback. He nearly had both, when he jumped a route in the first half, but had to settle for a breakup as the ball slipped through his hands.
2. Jeff Maehl scores a touchdown.
Correct. This is a "broken record" prediction, but it's working so I'm sticking with it for the foreseeable future..
3. The Ducks score more than 40 and allow less than 20 points in the game.
Incorrect. Another close call that goes the other way. The 40 points are almost a given at this point, especially at home, but predicting points allowed can be tricky business. I did not expect a three-touchdown game from ASU, but I also didn't expect multiple UO turnovers, which led to two of those scores.
4. LeGarrette Blount goes over 1,000 career rushing yards.
Incorrect. It's pretty tough to accumulate yards when you don't touch the ball. I didn't anticipate more than a carry or two for LG in his return, but that would have likely generated the four yards he needs to get back over 1,000.
5. Jeremiah Masoli does not rush for a touchdown.
Correct. This was just a hunch, guessing that ASU would be paying extra attention to Masoli around the goal line after how easy he has made things look in the games against USC and Stanford. As it turned out, it was the perfect setup for feeding LaMichael James for a trio of touchdowns from close range.
Weekly mark: 3-2 (.600) • Season mark: 24-26 (.480)
OREGON PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
The game has been played, the film has been studied, and the Oregon coaching staff has determined the team's top performers for Week 10. Following is a list of last week's game ball winners.
Offense: D.J. Davis, Jordan Holmes and LaMichael James
Defense: Talmadge Jackson III and Spencer Paysinger
Special Teams: Marvin Johnson
Offensive Scout: Nick Cole
Defensive Scout: Anthony Anderson
Special Teams Scout: Jennings Stewart
JAMES NAMED CFPA RUNNING BACK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Freshman running back LaMichael James, fresh off his seventh 100-yard game of the season, was named the running back performer of the week by the College Football Performance Awards. James, who is on the watch list for the CFPA's season honor at his position, totaled 150 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in UO's 44-21 win over Arizona State. Senior kicker Morgan Flint was an honorable mention choice for placekicker performer of the week.
DUCKS AGAIN PART OF ESPN GAMEDAY
After hosting ESPN College GameDay on Oct. 31, the Ducks will again be part of the broadcast when the show originates from Tucson this Saturday (7-9 a.m. PST). The game against Arizona will be televised on ABC, starting at 5 p.m. PST (6 p.m. MST).
DUCKS RANKED 11TH IN LATEST POLLS
Oregon jumped two spots to No. 11 in the latest BCS standings, released Sunday. The Ducks are also 11th in the AP, USA Today (coaches) and Harris polls.
Oregon Football is now on Twitter. Follow HERE.
