Motivation is supposed to be a big question mark for the Ducks this afternoon, but with a month off, saying good-bye to their defensive coordinator and 19 seniors, it really won't be.
The Ducks Texas contingent will have extra fire for this game, and whatever weaknesses were exposed in the Stanford and Arizona games, they are off-set by the new-found strength of a healthy Marcus Mariota at quarterback. He poses a problem for defenses as sticky as a fresh-cut pineapple, and able to both run and throw with two good legs under him, he's the best player in this game and the most likely to take it over.
De'Anthony Thomas has his lapses and limitations, but he has a history of showing up in big games, with four touchdowns in the Ducks last two bowl games, all of the electric, quick-twitch variety.
Texas has serious problems on offense. Case McCoy probably wouldn't start for 10 teams in the PAC-12, and he's thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns this year. Lead running back Malcolm Brown has power, but he hasn't had a run over 30 yards this season. Jackson Jeffcoat is intimidating at one defensive end, but the Longhorns have issues at linebacker and in the secondary.
Oregon should win handily in this game, and if they don't, it will be because the Ducks were outcoached by that old fox from Texas.
Duck fans should expect to see a prepared, organized team win by two touchdowns. Anything less would be cause for reevaluation.
Oregon 39, Texas 24.
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