As we prepare to head off to Dallas, here are the final predictions for Saturday’s game from the sports desk. In a shocking twist, all of us picked Oregon.
Kenny Ocker; Managing Editor:
Like last year’s National Championship Game, Saturday’s game between the Ducks and Tigers is going to come down to the battle in the trenches. As much as Oregon struggled to contain Auburn’s Nick Fairley last January, the Ducks’ revamped offensive line is likely to have the same issues keeping LSU’s defensive line out of the backfield. However, in this game, running back LaMichael James isn’t coming in to the game with more than 270 carries in his legs, and his freshness will be enough of a difference-maker to guide his team to victory. And yes, LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee will throw an interception that gets returned for a touchdown.
Final Score: Oregon 27, LSU 21
Lucas Clark; Sports Reporter:
One of, if not the best perk of working for the Oregon Daily Emerald has always been the ability to travel to the some of the biggest games in Oregon football history. Now in my third year covering Ducks football, I’ve seen mixed results on the road. I was in Palo Alto for the loss to Stanford in 2009, and in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State a few months later.
Last season, the Daily Emerald watched Oregon punch its own ticket to the BCS National Championship game with a victory over Oregon State in Corvallis. And in January, we made the trip to Phoenix for the title game. Oregon is 1-3 in those games, and Saturday’s matchup with No. 4 LSU will be no easy task, either. I get a different vibe from this year’s group, however, and expect a much better showing in the Cowboys Classic.
I see the Ducks getting off to a hot start, and finishing the way we all know they can in the second half. If the new pieces surrounding Darron Thomas are indeed ready for the limelight, the Ducks will cruise to victory, and jump-start a return trip to the BCS National Championship.
Final Score: Oregon 43, LSU 21
Andy Drukarev; Sports Reporter:
With LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson and receiver Russell Shepard on suspension, the Ducks will certainly have more offensive star power than their SEC foes. Although Oregon’s offensive line is a question mark, it’s hard to argue against the likes of Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, David Paulson, and Kenjon Barner. Conversely, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see LSU, which finished 86^th in the nation in yards per game last year, struggle to move the ball, particularly against an Oregon defense that figures to be stout, even without Cliff Harris. Although the Tigers’ defense is projected to be equally as, or even more formidable than Oregon’s, LSU won’t have enough offensive firepower to top the Ducks.
Final Score: Oregon 24, LSU 21
David Lieberman; Sports Reporter:
Though Oregon is returning five starters from its record-setting 2010 offense, there’s plenty of reason to worry about the stability of the Ducks on the other side of the ball. Big-play dynamo/shutdown corner Cliff Harris is out indefinitely, and Oregon will sorely miss several senior leaders that brought a quiet confidence to last year’s defense (Casey Matthews, Spencer Paysinger, Brandon Bair). That being said, Oregon has enough offensive firepower to break off the big plays that so often left their opponents reeling during last year’s run to the BCS title game. Look for a big game from senior TE David Paulson, who will be a frequent target filling in for now-departed wideouts Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis. With LSU’s top homerun threat, WR Russell Sheppard, also sidelined, the Ducks will rack up just enough points to hold off the Tigers and keep their national title hopes alive.
Final Score: Oregon 30, LSU 27
Patrick Malee; Sports Editor:
It’s tempting to say that this will be a shootout, that our eyes will be dazzled with offensive fireworks under the bright lights of Cowboys Stadium. Every time I think about this game, the image of LaMichael James dashing through a hole for a 70-yard touchdown plays over and over in my head. But here’s the reality of these early season showdowns: they’re often the exact opposite of what we expect. In general, even offenses as prolific as Oregon’s are slower out of the gate than their defensive counterparts (unless, of course, they’re facing New Mexico). LSU is well-known for its stout defense, and it’s hard to imagine Oregon hanging 45 on the Tigers. Still, the Ducks boast their own stifling defensive unit, and I expect LSU to have even more trouble moving the ball. This will be a close, if not particularly explosive, matchup that will likely come down to a few key plays. Oregon proved adept at pulling out the close ones last season (save for the BCS game); we’ll see if luck remains on Chip Kelly’s side. I think it does, for this week anyway.
Final Score: Oregon 20, LSU17