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Originally published September 27, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified September 27, 2008 at 6:46 PM

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WSU vs. Oregon preview

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092008 — PULLMAN, WA — With two other quarterbacks out with injuries, it fell to freshman Marshall Lobbestael to lead the Cougar offense. NCAA FOOTBALL, PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY AT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

 

092008 — PULLMAN, WA — With two other quarterbacks out with injuries, it fell to freshman Marshall Lobbestael to lead the Cougar offense. NCAA FOOTBALL, PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY AT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

At stake: The Cougars have lost three games against Division I opponents by an average of 39 points and still haven't shown they can be competitive at that level in 2008. The Ducks are no doubt eyeing Oregon State's upset over USC as an opportunity to make a move in the Pac-10 (they play at USC next week), and this game could build momentum.

What to expect: Both teams come into the game forced to start third-string freshman quarterbacks after injuries to each team's starter and backup, but that's about where the similarities end between the teams. The Ducks have better athletes and more depth than the Cougars, and it will show. Look for Oregon coach Mike Bellotti to exploit WSU's struggling rushing defense to establish early momentum and force QB Marshall Lobbestael to play catch up early in his first start. Even if he is up to the challenge, WSU's makeshift offensive line is no match for Oregon's aggressive defense.

Notes: Oregon has the Pac-10's best rushing offense, averaging 299 yards. Conversely, WSU has the Pac-10's worst rushing defense, surrendering 250 yards. ... WSU DB Romeo Pellum is the nephew of Oregon LB coach Don Pellum. ... After leading the Pac-10 in turnover margin last season, the Ducks rank eighth in 2008. ... This is Washington State's homecoming game. ... Last season's 53-7 win by Oregon was the widest margin of victory in the 85-year history of the series. ... Oregon leads the series 40-38-7.

Injuries: WSU — LB Jason Stripling, QB Kevin Lopina out; LB Cory Evans doubtful; LB Kendrick Dunn, LB Mike Ledgerwood, DE Kevin Kooyman questionable. Oregon — QB Justin Roper out; FS Marvin Johnson doubtful; CB Walter Thurmond questionable.

Prediction: WSU is simply overmatched. Oregon 40, WSU 12.

Brandon Scheller

3:15 p.m. at Martin Stadium, Pullman

TV: FSN. Radio: KPTK (1090 AM), KHHO (850 AM).

The line: Oregon by 21 ½.

WSU stat leaders
Passing PC PA Yds TD
Gary Rogers 34 68 352 2
Kevin Lopina 27 50 315 0
Rushing TCB Yds Avg TD
Dwight Tardy 54 203 3.8 1
C. Ivory 25 136 5.4 1
Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD
Brandon Gibson 20 295 14.8 2
D. Frischknecht 11 166 15.1 1
Tackles UT AT Total
Greg Trent 13 11 24

Oregon stat leaders
Passing PC PA Yds TD
Justin Roper 40 77 484 2
J. Masoli 19 32 220 2
Rushing TCB Yds Avg TD
L. Blount 51 383 7.5 5
J. Johnson 55 351 6.4 3
Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD
Ed Dickson 20 266 13.3 2
Jeff Maehl 18 205 11.4 2
Tackles UT AT Total
S. Paysinger 18 20 38

Who has the advantage?
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST
Oregon × × × × × × × ×
Washington State ×

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

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