Upcoming Showdown

Tremendous game this afternoon, with national and Pac-10 title hopes on the line in Eugene. The #4 and #5 (or #4 and #6, depending on which poll you trust) teams clash today in horrible, horrible Autzen Stadium. Hands down, it is the toughest place to play in the Pac-10.

The way to mitigate this overwhelming home field advantage is to run the ball. The Dennis Dixon Show cannot score when they do not have the ball. Much like the Cal game, I expect ASU to run the ball and dominate time of possession.

Running the ball also reduces the number of times Rudy has to throw, which is good for his thumb that he hurt in the 3rd Quarter of the Cal game while bumping into Keegan Herring. I don't think our defense has the cornerback depth to contend with the spread. The spread forces corners to make open field tackles like linebackers, which Michigan's corners failed to do against Oregon earlier in the season. Rudy will have to make a couple big plays down the field to Jones or Williams to keep Oregon's ROV Patrick Chung honest.

Get out from behind the couch if:

1. The offensive line continually blocks linebackers.
2. Johnathan Stewart has nowhere to go.
3. Dixon is turned into a pocket passer.

Cover the eyes of the children if:

1. Dixon goes over 100 yards rushing.
2. ASU goes run-run-pass-punt repeatedly.
3. The Oregon-Oklahoma officials show up.

Jeff Metcalfe preview here. Preview fluff also.

Liveblog for game will commence about 5-10 minutes before 3:30 kickoff, barring family emergency.