Ben Schorzman: Although the Cougars are 1-3, head coach Chip Kelly said that he’s not taking them lightly. He says they play hard, and that’s what he judges teams on. In my opinion, the Cougars don’t have the speed on defense to match up with Oregon’s athletes on offense, but the team put up a very good showing against the Trojans last week.
As for this week, the Ducks are coming off one of the biggest wins in program history with a 42-3 beat down of No. 6 Cal and the feeling around the team is that they have finally gelled together and gotten through their rough patches on the offense. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli threw for three touchdowns, tight end Ed Dickson caught 11 passes and had three touchdowns and running back LaMichael James ran for over 100 yards for the second straight game.
But I think Oregon’s biggest strength is actually the defense. The Cougars will be hard pressed to get much going through the air against Oregon’s 25th ranked passing defense. Even without defensive backs Walter Thurmond III and T.J. Ward, the Ducks are formidable in the secondary.
Braulio Perez: Oregon may be coming off that big win over Cal, but the Cougs are coming off a moral victory themselves with their performance against USC last Saturday. Although the team fell to 1-3, WSU shut out the dangerous Trojan offense for two quarters and limited them to only 7 points in the second half.
As for defense, in my opinion the defensive line has made monumental strides, and won’t give quarterback Jeremiah Masoli too much time to stay in the pocket and allow his receivers to get open. The emergence of true freshman Travis Long has put faith back into Cougar nation, and he will be on Masoli’s body all day. In the secondary, WSU has veteran safeties Chima Nwachukwu, and Xavier Hicks who will have their hands full, but I believe will be up for the task against that dangerous Duck offense.
The way I look at this match-up is that the Cougars have nothing to lose, but if the Ducks stumble, they can kiss any hope of a Rose Bowl goodbye. You may have beat Cal, but take a look at the Washington Huskies. They pulled off one of the biggest upsets in school history when they beat USC 16-13; how did they do the following week against Stanford?
BS: I agree that the Cougars had a moral victory last week against USC with how they played. Being able to hold that team to under 30 points is a success anytime. I also agree with your point about the Huskies. However, where I stray from your opinion is when you liken the Ducks to Washington. Unlike Oregon, the Huskies didn’t deserve to be ranked last week and they were for the most part the same team that didn’t win a single game last year. The Ducks, on the other hand, won ten games and won the Holiday Bowl. Those are two completely different backgrounds. Besides, the Ducks are coming off three huge wins against tough teams, and besides the opening week loss to Boise State, they are
playing better every week.
BP: I agree with you that they are two different teams, but UW is a way different team than there were in the winless 2008 season. Also, the Huskies barely lost to LSU, and laid the smack-down on a much-improved Idaho Vandals team. Although I bleed crimson, the Huskies are a dangerous team this season and will go 7-5 and make it to a bowl game.
The Ducks are looking good, but I truly believe they will face a new and improved Cougar team led by true freshman Jeff Tuel. I have been watching Tuel in practice this week, and he provides the WSU offense a change of pace because of his mobility and arm strength. What are your thoughts on WSU starting a true freshman against an Oregon team that limited the Golden Bears to 3 points? Also looking at the way the offense has been playing, and the overall energy on the field, do you think the dismissal of LeGarrette Blount was an
addition by subtraction?
BS: I find it interesting that a Cougar would have that much love for the Huskies! But all jokes aside I’d be surprised if they did make it to a bowl game. As for the Cougars starting a true freshman against Oregon, I think he’s going to get knocked around. It’s in Autzen, where even the most veteran quarterbacks get flustered and Oregon’s pass rush is pretty good with defensive ends Kenny Rowe and Will Tukuafu.
For the LeGarrette Blount situation, it always hurts when you lose a big back that rushed for 1,000 yards. LaMichael James has stepped in beautifully in his place, however, so that has diminished the effect of losing Blount.
Who is your player to watch for the Cougars?
BP: Oh no, good sir, UW will go to a bowl game for sure. You’re telling me you’d be surprised if they won six games? The Cougars are a pretty young team, everyone knows that but they still have some playmakers that will shock those inside of Autzen Stadium.
My player to watch for the Cougars will be receiver Gino Simone. With over half the WSU offensive line battling injuries, I have a good feeling offensive coordinator Todd Sturdy will focus more on the aerial attack, especially with the gun of Tuel. Simone caught eight catches in the fourth quarter alone last week against USC, and has already developed great chemistry with Tuel. Lining up in the slot, Simone reminds me of a young Wes Welker with his great footwork and his hands.
We all know about Jeremiah Masoli, and LaMichael James made his mark last week against Cal, but who are your surprise players this week that you think will shock Cougar nation, and what are your final score predictions for the Cougar upset?
BS: I like how you’re sticking to your guns. For the Ducks I think it will be Jeff Maehl. He’s gotten a few catches every game and he’s been Masoli’s favorite target, but I think he’s finally going to get his touchdown and have 80 yards plus of receiving. Pass defense has been by far the worst part of WSU’s game so I think Maehl will do well. As for the score, the Ducks will win by a large margin, 45-17 at the very least.
BP: I like your moxie and the belief in your team; I’m the same way. I may be ignorant, but I would never bet against my Cougs. Down two points with three seconds left in the fourth quarter, junior kicker Nico Grasu will line up for a 45-yard field goal and make it. The end. Oregon faithful leave Autzen astonished by the Cougar 23-22 upset of the No. 16 Ducks. Good luck come Saturday, and expect a revamped Cougar team ready to shock the nation.
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Daily Emerald
October 1, 2009
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