Pac-12 Game Preview: Oregon vs. Virginia

Their first game of the 2013 season may have been against FCS school Nicholls State, but the Oregon Ducks definitely impressed last weekend, racking up a school record 772 yards in total offense en route to a 66-3 thrashing at Autzen Stadium. Of course, the Ducks’ schedule will only get more difficult from here, starting this Saturday against the Virginia Cavaliers.

Unsurprisingly, the Cavaliers are a 23.5-point underdog entering this weekend’s battle with the high-flying Ducks, but they should have some confidence following a 19-16 comeback win against BYU. Being at home for this significant non-conference showdown should also benefit Virginia, who – if we’re being honest – needs all the help it can get.

While we expected the Ducks to put a crooked number up on the scoreboard, their defense may have been the most impressive part of their dominating victory. As usual, Oregon’s defense was on the field for the majority of the day (around 40 minutes), but it was still able to hold the Colonels to just three points and fewer than four yards per play. The stout defensive unit also prevented Nicholls from advancing inside the 10-yard line all game long.

Of course, Virginia poses a greater scoring threat than Nicholls, but the Cavaliers didn’t exactly shine on the offensive side of the ball either in their slim win last week. In fact, the Cavs managed a measly 223 yards of total offense and in knowing that Oregon will put up points, those numbers just won’t cut it if Virginia plans on keeping things competitive for more than a quarter.

Since it’s likely that the Ducks will keep their starters in even longer than they did last week, it’s hard to imagine this game staying close for long. It should be another case where Oregon jumps in front early and doesn’t look back. And that certainly doesn’t bode well for Virginia in covering the point spread, even at home. So, look for Oregon to cover -23.5 in the win on Saturday.