SB Nation’s preview of the Arizona/Oregon game is up, and the site predicts a close first half. The No. 22 Wildcats boast one of the country’s best tailbacks this year in Ka’Deem Carey. The 5-foot-10 sophomore is averaging 5.8 yards per carry and has seen the end zone six times. He’ll face a Ducks defense giving up 24.3 points per game.
We’ll be live from Autzen where we’ll give you live stats, scores, tweets and everything else you need on Gameday. If you’re going to the 7:30 p.m. game tomorrow night and supporting the Ducks, remember to wear black.
Also, over at ESPN’s Pac-12 blog, Ted Miller and Kevin Gemmell argue which half of the Pac-12 is better. Gemmell says the North is stronger at the top and stronger at the bottom, while Miller says the South is the overall better conference regardless of No. 9 Stanford and No. 3 Oregon.
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Kansas State’s volleyball team was swept by Oklahoma on Wednesday night, leaving Oregon as the only school in the nation with nationally ranked and undefeated football and volleyball teams. Oregon volleyball faces a confident No. 2 USC squad Friday night in Los Angeles. The Women of Troy defeated No. 1 UCLA in their last matchup as they defend the Pac-12 title they won last year. Freshman outside hitter Samantha Bricio was outstanding for USC, notching a career-high 19 kills. She figures to play a factor against Alaina Bergsma and the Ducks.
On Thursday, Bergsma was listed as one of five Pac-12 candidates listed for this year’s Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. Here’s GoDucks.com: “An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete, and encourages them to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.”
The current Miss Oregon USA ranks nationally in the top 10 in points and kills, and she leads the conference in aces. In the classroom, Bergsma was a Pac-12 All-Academic Second-Team choice in 2011.
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Oregon soccer (5-2-1) hosts Colorado tonight at Papé Field. The Ducks are halfway through their longest homestand of the season after wins against Seattle and Gonzaga. A record crowd saw Oregon’s offense explode in the 4-2 win over the Bulldogs. Freshman forward Kristin Parr continued her torrid pace of scoring, netting her sixth goal of the year. The offensive output from the Bend, Ore., native has been the most pleasant surprise of the year for Oregon.
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Finally, have you ever wanted to sing the national anthem at a sporting event? The athletic department will soon entertain auditions.