PLAYERS TO WATCH
–C Jake Hanson missed the first half of last week’s game against Utah because of a targeting call. With his absence, the Ducks struggled mightily to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and continuously move the ball. He’s the leader of the offensive line unit, and as the deal with injuries and plug new players in, Hanson is responsible for making sure they’re on the same page. Protecting Herbert, running the ball and being physical are a must for the group, and it all starts with Hanson.
–CB Deommodore Lenoir has emerged as the Ducks’ best cover corner, showing improvement in each facet of the game. His ability to run with faster wide receivers while also being physical with big-bodied ones has helped keep Oregon relevant in the secondary. This week, he’ll go up against the most physically imposing and gifted receiver in the Pac-12 — the 6-foot-4, 215-pound N’Keal Harry. Last year, Harry torched the Ducks with seven catches for 170 yards and a score. Limiting Harry limits the Sun Devils offense.
–WR Dillon Mitchell has essentially been Oregon’s entire offense since conference play began — accounting for nearly one-fourth of the Ducks’ total offense. At this point, with team victories becoming mandatory over player development, Oregon should just ride Mitchell’s capabilities till the end. He’s a mismatch nightmare, leading the conference in all major receiving categories.
–NT Jordon Scott has been a bright spot on Oregon’s maligned defensive line — but he performance last week was well below par for him on the season. As the nose tackle, he’s the most vital player to the Ducks’ defense, having must occupy the “A” gaps. With the Pac-12’s leading rusher coming to town, Scott must play big to stop Arizona State on the offensive side of the ball.
SERIES HISTORY: 19-17 Oregon. The Ducks’ 10-game winning streak in the series came to an end last season when Arizona State upset then-ranked No. 24 Oregon 37-35 on a 41-yard field goal with 2:33 remaining in the game. Two years ago, Herbert got his first career win when he threw for a program-record tying 489 yards and four scores in the 54-35 win.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Starting the prepping out getting ready for senior day in Autzen Stadium, our last game of the 2018 season at home. Certainly, for the seniors always an emotional moment, guys that have done a lot for the program — looking forward to prepping well and giving them the best opportunity to have success on Saturday.” — Head coach Mario Cristobal.
