Oregon (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) at Utah (6-1, 3-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Line: Oregon by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook
Series record: Oregon leads 24-12
What’s at stake?
Utah and Oregon face off in a pivotal contest with heavy Pac-12 title implications. A victory will help the winner keep pace with undefeated Washington. The Ducks bring the Pac-12’s top offense to Salt Lake City where the Utes will counter with one of the nation’s top defenses.
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Key Matchup
Can Utah’s secondary keep Bo Nix in check? Nix is an efficient and dynamic passer. The Oregon QB is in contention for the Heisman Trophy after completing 78.4% of his passes through seven games. Nix has thrown for 19 touchdowns and just one interception while racking up 2,089 yards through the air.
Players to watch
Oregon: Running the ball will be critical against a stingy Utah defense. The Ducks have a dynamic backfield duo who can get tough yards. Bucky Irving and Jordan James have combined for 1,112 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
Utah: Sione Vaki has introduced an explosive playmaking ability the Ute offense lacked earlier in the season. Vaki has tallied a 100-yard rushing game and a 100-yard receiving game in the last two weeks. He totaled 370 all-purpose yards on 30 plays in victories over California and USC.
Facts & Figures
Oregon is one of four teams yet to lose a fumble this season. The Ducks lead the nation for fewest turnovers committed with just one through seven games. … Utah has won 18 straight home games and is 29-1 in its last 30 games in Salt Lake City. … Nix is just the second player since 2000 to complete 78% of his passes through seven games with at least 200 pass attempts. … Utah QB Bryson Barnes is averaging 5.9 yards per carry over his last two games. Barnes has rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns in that stretch. … A victory on Saturday would give the Ducks their 700th win in program history. … The Utes are holding opponents to just 78.0 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth nationally.
