In 1968, Houston defeated Tulsa 100-6. There has not been a 100-point game in Division I-A/FBS since. On Saturday, Oregon will try to change that when they face Nicholls State in their season opener. The carnage begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
How to watch Nicholls State vs. Oregon 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Ducks open 2013 with a cupcake opponent and an eye on the century mark.
Oregon faces their first game without former head coach Chip Kelly, who left Eugene for the NFL this offseason. His replacement, Mark Helfrich, was Kelly’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the last four seasons. Helfrich has promised that Oregon will remain Oregon: The spread option offense, run at a ludicrous speed.
Nicholls State went winless against NCAA teams last season; the Colonels beat Evangel College out of the NAIA, but went winless in the Southland Conference. Nicholls State played two FBS opponents last year: They were pummelled 66-16 by Tulsa and lost to Oregon State 77-3. The Colonels are coached by former Louisville offensive coordinator Charlie Stubbs.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Oregon is ranked third in both the AP and USA Today polls.
Vegas: Oregon is a 59-point favorite. Check OddsShark.com for any late lines and wagering information.
Weather: There’s a 50% chance of rain in Eugene Saturday, with a high in the mid-70s.
Three names to know
The Ducks lose running back Kenjon Barner, but return quarterback Marcus Mariota (2,677 yards passing, 32 TD, 6 INT, 858 yard rushing in 2012) and all-purpose superstar De'Anthony Thomas (92 rushes, 701 rushing yards, 45 catches, 445 receiving yards, 16 offensive touchdowns) to an offense that should have no problems Saturday.
If there is a question about the Ducks, it's on defense, where linebackers Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay depart. Oregon also loses defensive end and part-time Berserker Dion Jordan, who recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2012. Look for senior defensive end Taylor Hart (11 TFL, 8 sacks in 2012) to lead the Ducks' front seven.
Two things at stake
Georgia Tech defeated Cumberland 222-0 in 1916. We’re not saying it’s going to get that bad, but it could be close. The matchup is so lopsided that anything less than a 50-point Oregon win could lead to panic in Eugene over Helfrich’s suitability as head coach.
How to witness
TV: Fox Sports 1
Radio: Portland KXL 750 AM; all other radio affiliates available from GoDucks.com.
Further reading
For all the information you need on Oregon football, visit Addicted to Quack.
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