The top conference matchup this week features two teams predicted as contenders for the Pacific-10 Conference championship.
At least they were prior to the start of the season.
Arizona State (2-1 overall) and Oregon State (3-1) square off in what could potentially be a high-scoring affair.
Last week, the Arizona State offense, usually known for its passing attack, was shut out in a 21-2 loss to No. 13 Iowa.
Meanwhile, Oregon State snapped Boise State’s 13-game winning streak in Corvallis last weekend.
Arizona State has dominated the series, winning 21 of 28 meetings while winning the last seven overall. The Sun Devils pulled away in a defensive battle last year, 13-9.
Offense is expected to take over Saturday when the teams meet in Corvallis; however, with both teams possessing big play quarterbacks and fast receivers. Oregon State also boasts the conference’s top running back, junior Steven Jackson.
“(Jackson) is a premier back,” Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter said. “(Derek Anderson) has his ups and downs, but when on, he is as good as anyone.”
As Anderson goes, so go the Beavers. He had one of his worst games as a Beaver on Sept. 5 at Fresno State, where the junior threw five interceptions and the Bulldogs defeated the Beavers,16-14.
Last week Anderson threw for a career-high 408 yards against Boise State.
Arizona State quarterback Andrew Walter is just as likely to pick apart a defense with the deep threats the Sun Devils possess.
“(Arizona State) likes to throw the ball down the field,” Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said. “They’ve made big plays in the past, and we’ve been inconsistent. We’ve given up too many big plays.”