This was supposed to be a bounceback year for Washington State and yet another run to the College Football Playoff for Oregon, but it has turned into a year of disappointment for both teams. Both the Cougars and the Ducks started off the season with bad losses, and things haven’t gotten better since.
How to watch Washington State vs. Oregon on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
This game is a lot less important than some might have projected.
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Wazzu lost its opener to FCS Portland State, and the same problems keep recurring for Mike Leach’s Cougars. The offense is fine, but the defense hasn’t been able to close. No example was more obvious than last week when the Cougars gave up a conversion to Cal on third and 36 that eventually lost them the game. They’re in a lot of games, even games against nationally ranked teams, but haven’t been able to close.
Meanwhile, Oregon has two losses, after losing a completely respectable game at Michigan State in Week 2 and a blowout at home to Utah. The Ducks aren’t getting anywhere near the Playoff, and they have quarterback problems, juggling injured Vernon Adams and backup Jeff Lockie.
Can either team grab hold of their seasons and get a boost from this one? They both badly need it.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
Radio: Oregon, Washington State
Online streaming: Pac-12 Networks Live
Spread: Oregon is favored by 17 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Addicted To Quack for Oregon fans and CougCenter for Washington State fans.
Three big things to know
1. Is Oregon going to be good or mediocre this year? Even after the embarrassing loss to Utah, there’s still room for the Ducks to have a good year. However, they didn’t look impressive last week against Colorado. The defense needs to be better against Washington State.
2. Can Wazzu finally finish a game? The Cougars have struggled to do that at all this year -- except against Rutgers, because Rutgers -- and could really use a win against the Ducks to turn their season around. Mike Leach’s seat will get even hotter if this one gets out of hand.
3. Can either quarterback take the reigns for the Ducks? No better defense to show off against than Washington State’s.
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