Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scor

GAME NOTES: The 10th-ranked Oregon Ducks hit the road this weekend for their Pac-12 Conference opener against the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson.

Oregon, which reached the BCS National Championship Game a year ago, began the 2011 season with a 40-27 loss to a very good LSU team on a neutral field. Since that disappointing setback, the Ducks have reeled off back-to-back victories, including last week's 56-7 romp over FCS foe Missouri State. They have now scored 125 points the last two games, but it remains to be seen if that level of offensive production will carry into league action.

"You really clean it up as you get into Pac-12 play, with the two new teams in it, the championship game, and it's going to be an exciting season," said Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who understands the importance of playing flawless football in this league opener. "I really don't know how it's going to play itself out. By and large the Pac-12 season opens up next week for everybody, and we got to be ready to go."

The schedule has been brutal for Arizona early on this season, as the team is set to play its third consecutive top-10 opponent. After crushing Northern Arizona to open the campaign, the Wildcats have been beaten soundly by Oklahoma State and Stanford in consecutive weeks. After the loss to Stanford by a 37-10 final last weekend, 'Cats head coach Mike Stoops remained resolute.

"With our team, we have to do things right, and we are doing a lot of good things," said Stoops. "We just got exposed because we are young, but when you play against these types of team, you do get better. That is the bright side we have to focus on."

Oregon owns a 22-14 series lead over Arizona, which includes victories in each of the last three meetings.

The Ducks had their way offensively against Missouri State last week as expected, posting 681 total yards en route to eight touchdowns. The ground attack was lethal, compiling 416 yards on 43 attempts. LaMichael James is one of the nation's top tailbacks, and he raced for 204 yards and three scores. Quarterback Darron Thomas was effective through the air, completing 11-of-15 passes for 206 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

"Obviously, we feel like we can run the ball, but with Darron back there it allows us to be a balanced football team and make the defense cover the entire field," says Kelly of the offense. "As we develop more depth out of a receiver, and have some people there that people have to take notice too, then I think it's just going to help us as a team."

Through three outings, the Ducks are generating 50.7 ppg and 539.7 total ypg, and 12 of the 19 offensive scores have come through the air. Thomas has thrown 10 touchdowns against only one interception and has completed 62.5 percent of his throws. James has rushed for 325 yards and five scores on just 42 carries, and Lavasier Tuinei paces the receivers with three touchdown receptions.

The Ducks held Missouri State to 289 total yards and one touchdown despite failing to generate a single turnover. Surprisingly, the Oregon defense was on the field for nearly 40 minutes despite limiting Missouri State to 6-of-17 efficiency on third-down conversion attempts. Opponents are scoring 22.3 ppg against Oregon thus far.

Arizona knew it was facing a tough Stanford defense last week and failed miserably in an effort to establish the run, finishing with a mere 51 rushing yards on 23 attempts, an average of just 2.2 yards per tote. That lack of success put added pressure on quarterback Nick Foles and the passing attack. Foles did complete 24-of-33 passes for 239 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, but that effort simply wasn't enough.

"They did exactly what I thought they would do," said Foles. "They were very physical on both sides of the ball. We didn't execute very well on third down and that killed us."

Stanford was able to hold the ball for nearly 36 minutes against Arizona and scored five offensive touchdowns, including three on the ground. The Cardinal were able to rush for 242 yards at a clip of 6.2 yards per carry and averaged a gaudy 16.2 yards per pass completion.

Overall this season, Arizona is generating 21.7 ppg and 419.7 total ypg while yielding 28.0 ppg and 473.3 total ypg. The Wildcats have committed just one turnover so far, but they have also notched a mere two takeaways while posting only three sacks. Foles is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and has completed 75.4 percent of his passes for 1,049 yards and seven touchdowns against zero interceptions. Juron Criner is a star at receiver as well, but the Wildcats are hampered by what has to be considered one of the worst ground attacks in the FBS.

After back-to-back lopsided losses, Arizona will find a way to be a bit more competitive this weekend. Still, the outcome will be the same, as Oregon is simply the better team.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oregon 34, Arizona 23