Washington State and No. 9 Oregon Meet after Disappointing Losses

Washington State (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) at No. 9 Oregon (5-1, 2-1), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Line: Oregon by 18 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Oregon leads 51-42-7.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Oregon and Washington State are both coming off disappointing — to say the least — losses. The Cougars were routed 44-6 by Arizona last week in Pullman. It was Washington State's second straight loss after falling 25-17 at UCLA the week before. Ninth-ranked Oregon fell to rival Washington 36-33 in Seattle last weekend for the Ducks' first loss of the season. Afterward, some of coach Dan Lanning's calls were questioned after the Ducks failed to convert on three key fourth-down attempts. Oregon has won four straight in the series against the Cougars.

KEY MATCHUP

Oregon's pass defense is allowing opponents just 180.7 yards a game, tops in the Pac-12 and 16th nationally, but they've allowed 10 touchdowns through the air this season — including four TDs thrown by Washington's Michael Penix Jr. last weekend. Washington State receiving duo Kyle Williams and Josh Kelly have combined for nine total touchdowns on 61 catches for 832 total yards. The two transfers both had 150-plus receiving yards and a combined four touchdowns against Oregon State earlier this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Washington State: Despite a rough outing against Arizona, quarterback Cameron Ward still is averaging 296.5 yards passing, good for 12th in the nation, has 14 total touchdowns, 15th nationally, and 313.2 yards total offense, 10th nationally.

Oregon: Receiver Troy Franklin has five 100-yard receiving games this season, one shy of Oregon's single season record. He's averaging 114.8 receiving yards, second in the Pac-12. Overall, he has 40 catches for 689 yards and eight touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oregon has the top scoring offense in the nation with an average of 48.5 points. … With a win, the Ducks will become bowl eligible for the seventh straight season. …. The Cougs have not defeated a top 10 team since 2017 when they beat No. 5 USC 30-27 in Pullman. … Washington State hasn't downed a top 10 team on the road since a Holiday Bowl victory over No. 5 Texas in 2003. … Oregon missed a game-tying field goal against Washington as time expired. … Washington State's third-down conversion percentage is 48.7, 17th best in the nation. … The Ducks have just one turnover this season to lead the nation. … Oregon has allowed just two rushing touchdowns.