Washington hasn’t beaten rival Oregon since 2003, and the games haven’t been close either. The Huskies have reason to believe this year could be different. The Ducks aren’t among the nation’s elite after starting the year 3-3 and Washington is actually favored to win.
How to watch Oregon vs. Washington on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Is this the year the Huskies turn the rivalry around?
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon’s offense has not been able to overcome a bad defense this year, as they’ve given up 38.7 points per game so far this season, third worst among Power 5 teams. Washington hasn’t shown an ability to score a lot of points this season -- only scoring more than 30 against Sacramento State and Utah State -- but they might have an opportunity against the porous Ducks defense.
The Huskies have lost to Cal and in the season opener to Boise State, but are coming off an upset win over USC. Oregon has lost two of their last three, including a blowout loss to Utah and a disappointing loss to Washington State last week. Their lone Pac-12 victory came against Colorado two weeks ago.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2, announcers: Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (analyst), Jerry Punch (sideline)
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Washington favored by 3 points
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Addicted to Quack (for Oregon fans) and UW Dawg Pound (for Washington fans).
Three big things to know
1. Elimination game? Both teams already have conference losses, so it will be a challenge to compete for the Pac-12 North title even if they survive on Saturday, but the loser will have a nearly impossible road. Oregon would have three conference losses with another defeat. Washington would only have two, but one of those came against Cal, who would have a tiebreaker over the Huskies.
2. Washington’s defense. We know Oregon likes to score points, they’re averaging 41.5 per game, which ranks ninth nationally, but the Huskies have been really strong on defense. They’ve allowed only 15 points per game, good for 14th in the country. Which of those two sides will win out?
3. THE RIVALRY. The last time Washington beat Oregon, Mike Bellotti and Keith Gilbertson were the two head coaches. Oregon has absolutely dominated this series for more than a decade, and now the Huskies have an opportunity for some serious vengeance. With a win for Washington, Mark Helfrich’s already-hot seat becomes even hotter.
See More:
