Oregon visits Pullman, Wash., facing a Washington State program that knows it has nothing to lose. Arizona State confirmed that with a 27-24 win that eliminated Washington State’s bowl chances with its sixth consecutive loss.
“They were not real happy,” Washington State head coach Bill Doba said afterward. “I imagine it set in, I think they realize that.”
Oregon has played four of its last five games against Washington State in Pullman, Wash. They have won three of those five games, including a 41-38 win in Oregon’s down season last year when they finished 5-6.
Washington State quarterback Alex Brink may not have gone to Oregon, but he is a local as a graduate of Sheldon High in Eugene.
“We have to go and work hard and battle,” Brink said. “We have something to play for and we need to get a Pac-10 win.”
Return to action
Oregon placekicker Paul Martinez returned last week against California after missing three games against Arizona State, Washington and Arizona due to a thigh injury.
Martinez kicked two field goals, including a 49-yarder, but missed on a 37-yard kick when he misjudged the wind. Each field goal gave Oregon the lead; 10-7 in the second quarter and 13-10 in the third.
For the season, Martinez has connected on 17 of 22 field-goal attempts.
His fill-in during his injury, Matt Evensen, made four of nine field goals and had his best game against Arizona State when he made three including a 51-yarder.
Punting away
For the first time in Pac-10 play, Matt Dragich punted for Oregon. He averaged 32.6 yards on seven punts.
The last time Dragich punted was against Fresno State on Sept. 17.
His most noticeable play might have been the most game-changing when a punt was blocked on the one-yard line in the first quarter. Cal running back Marshawn Lynch ran in a one-yard touchdown on the next play.
Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti attributed it to a blown assignment that allowed the defender to get through.
A major reason behind Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob’s 10 for 26 came from pressure by Devan Long, who had four tackles, one for a 2-yard loss.
Games in November
Oregon has normally done well in the month of November under head coach Mike Bellotti. In 11 seasons, Oregon is 22-10 in the final month of the season. Last season was an anomaly with no November victories when Oregon finished 5-6.
Oregon has had spotless November records in 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2001. The Ducks have had winning records in all Novembers under Bellotti, except 2002 and 2004.
The Cougar connection
This year’s contest may hold more value to quarterback Brady Leaf now that he’s playing and knowing his brother used to don a Cougar jersey. Ryan Leaf led Washington State to the 1998 Rose Bowl. Brady Leaf also had a cousin, Matt Kegal, who was quarterback for the Cougars from 2000-02 and sits ninth all-time on Washington State’s career passing list with 3,982 yards. Saturday also marks the last time Devan Long returns to face his brother Rien Long’s former team. Rien Long won the Outland Trophy and played at Washington State from 2000-02. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

[email protected]