Wildcats hoping to control No. 2 Ducks in Thursday night game

Arizona Wildcats at Oregon Ducks (-23, 70)

So far this season the No. 2 Oregon Ducks (4-0, 1-0) have been flying along as promised, winning each of its three non-conference games by an average of 34 points. Still, the Ducks have struggled at times.

Said quarterback Marcus Mariota, “It gives you confidence that when things are going a little tough, that you can battle through those things and fight through those situations.”

The next test for the Ducks is a Thursday night Pac-12 home game against the Arizona Wildcats (4-0, 1-0), which should provide the Oregon defense – allowing 443.5 yards a game in passing – with a nice test.

Ducks safety Reggie Daniels said, “We just need to start controlling the pass game better, and start really sticking on these routes, not letting them get these easy throws. The teams we’re playing now have some of the same scheme. They like to get the ball out quick, do a lot of pass routes.”

As for the Wildcats, it’ll take more than a Hail Mary – as was the case with its comeback victory over Cal two weeks ago – to overcome the high-powered Ducks.

Said wide receiver Austin Hill, who caught the Hail Mary pass, “I think this game showed that no matter how far behind we are, we have the maturity to pick ourselves up and learn from mistakes during the game so we can make big plays and come back to get the win.

Considering the prolific passing offenses from both teams, the over could be in play; however, a safer pick may be the Wildcats and the points.