No. 5 Oregon (3-0) at Arizona State (2-1), 10:30 p.m. (Fox Sports Net)
Line: Oregon by 9 1/2.
Series Record: Arizona state leads 16-14.
Last Meeting: 2008, Oregon won 44-21.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
After rolling over its first three opponents by a combined score of 189-13 and Oregon opens conference on the road against a better-than-expected Arizona State team. The Sun Devils played No. 11 Wisconsin close on the road last week and will be the first big test for the Ducks in their bid to repeat at Pac-10 champs.
KEY MATCHUP
Arizona’s run defense vs. LaMichael James. Arizona State has been pretty good defensively through the first three games, but the Sun Devils haven’t seen anyone like James. Oregon’s sophomore running back has been a highlight reel since missing the first game due to a suspension, including a 227-yard performance against Portland State last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon: QB Darron Thomas. The sophomore has had no trouble handling the awkward transition of replacing Jeremiah Masoli, who was dismissed from the team. Thomas has thrown for 562 and eight TDs in three games, including a four-touchdown performance before halftime against Portland State.
Arizona State: WR Aaron Pflugrad. The junior played the first two years of his career at Oregon and was projected to be a starter after a strong spring game in 2009, but transferred to Tempe. He’s had a team-best 15 catches for 165 yards the first three games and, despite saying otherwise, will likely be geared up to face his former team.
FACTS & FIGURES
Arizona State doesn’t play at home again for 34 days after Saturday, with the next three games on the road. … Oregon’s offense is averaging a point a minute this season. … The Sun Devils had kick returns of 97 and 95 yards against Wisconsin last week, but lost by one after having an extra point blocked. … The Ducks have two shutouts – in three games, no less – in a season for the first time since 1964. … Arizona State’s defense leads the nation in three-and-outs possessions, averaging 3.75 per game. … Oregon leads the nation in total and scoring offense, along with total and scoring defense.
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