| When the Cougars run: The numbers would suggest an advantage for the Cougars, but in the last two weeks the WSU ground game has been dismal. Derrell Hutsona has been the only real threat for the Cougars on the ground, and his productivity is almost entirely accounted for in two long runs. EDGE: EVEN |
| When the Cougars pass: This may be the best matchup of the game, with the Cougars second in the Pac-10 in passing offense and Oregon first in passing defense. But the WSU offense has lately gone off track, and it’s because of those struggles that the nod goes to Oregon here. EDGE: OREGON |
| When the Ducks run: Like its pass defense, Oregon’s rushing offense is the best in the Pac-10, thanks to sophomore Jonathan Stewart and the scrambling ability of quarterback Dennis Dixon. The Ducks are picking up 5.7 yards a carry. While WSU’s suddenly stout defense should challenge the visitors, it probably won’t stop them. EDGE: OREGON |
| When the Ducks pass: Dixon isn’t a pure pocket passer, but Oregon’s spread option look under coordinator Gary Crowton doesn’t ask him to be one. The Cougars secondary is dramatically improved, and wideout Cameron Colvin should still be out with an injury. WSU’s pass rush needs to do better than it did against Cal. EDGE: WSU |
| Coaching/intangibles: One unknown factor in this game could be Robin Pflugrad, an offensive assistant on WSU’s staff for years until he joined the Ducks staff last winter. It’s possible he could be a major factor in helping his new team this week, and if so a tough home game for WSU gets tougher. EDGE: OREGON |
| Railroad strike: Eugene V. Debs, a five-time candidate for president under a socialist party banner, led an 1894 strike against George Pullman’s famous Illinois-based railroad company. Debs led the strike after Pullman cut workers’ wages, but the U.S. Army showed up to end the strike and Debs was later jailed for six months. Clearly, Pullman won out while Eugene suffered. EDGE: WSU |
