It’s game day, and we’ve got our final predictions for the outcome of Oregon-Nevada. Safe to say, we’re a bit more sure of ourselves this week.
Lucas Clark:
It might not feel like it just yet, but the season-opening loss to LSU is now in the past. Oregon moved on from a disappointing loss and continued its regular practice regiment this week. Though practices were again closed to the media, it seems the Ducks are relatively healthy and ready to return to Autzen Stadium, where they’re undefeated in Chip Kelly’s first two seasons as head coach.
While Nevada had a great season in 2010, they lack experience at both quarterback and running back. I expect to see Oregon take advantage of turnovers, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they scored on a defensive or special teams play this week. Look for the Ducks to cruise to its first victory of the 2011 season, and LaMichael James to remind everyone why he’s still the best running back in college football.
Final Score: Oregon 35, Nevada 21
Andy Drukarev:
Back home at the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium, Oregon will roll against the Wolf Pack. Nevada, which must replace star quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua, will break in signal caller Tyler Lantrip, who has thrown a total of 23 career passes. A raucous Autzen crowd won’t welcome him with open arms. Although the Wolf Pack’s defense is expected to be solid, Oregon’s offensive line should get more push than it did against LSU, and the Ducks’ superior athletes will have space to roam.
Final Score: Oregon 45, Nevada 17
David Lieberman:
One of Chip Kelly’s most valuable traits is his ability to rally the Ducks back from a crushing defeat. Saturday will be no different. Expect an impressive effort by Oregon’s running back corps, which could amass over 250 yards on the ground. The Ducks will score early and often to put this one out of reach by the end of the 3rd quarter, then use their running game to bleed the clock. Look for an efficient, turnover-free outing for Darron Thomas, with limited passing attempts. The Oregon D will do what’s necessary to keep the Wolf Pack offense in check and get the team back on a winning track.
Final Score: Oregon 42, Nevada 24
Patrick Malee:
The way Chip Kelly talked about Nevada this week, you’d think the Ducks were going up against the New England Patriots today. Yes, the Wolf Pack boast a uniquely explosive pistol offense, and yes, they went 13-1 last year. But this is not the same Nevada team without Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua, and Oregon is looking to bounce back after last week’s humbling defeat. Oh, and this game is at Autzen. A few bold predictions that are sure to be wildly off-base: LaMichael James runs for 200 plus yards, De’Anthony Thomas scores in two different ways, and Cliff Harris returns in style with at least one interception.
Final Score: Oregon 48, Nevada 17
Kenny Ocker:
Even though Nevada is coming off a season where it had more yards than Oregon, the players who did the heavy lifting — quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua — have moved on. The Wolf Pack are simply too inexperienced to walk into a raucous Autzen Stadium and knock off Oregon. Without wide receiver Josh Huff and Kenjon Barner, the Ducks offense won’t be at 100 percent, but it should still be plenty strong enough to keep the Wolf Pack at bay.
Final Score: Oregon: 35, Nevada: 17