Oregon @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 26, 2010 ) Arizona 29, Oregon 48

THE STORY: Oregon begins its pursuit of a third consecutive Pac-12 Conference title when it visits an Arizona squad that has been involved in several recent high-scoring games with the Ducks. No. 13 Oregon has won three straight games in a series in which the two teams have combined for an average of 73.4 points over the last five meetings. Oregon has scored 125 points in the last two weeks, while Arizona lost to Stanford last week in its Pac-12 opener. The Ducks have won 12 consecutive conference games. The Wildcats are 9-23 against ranked teams in Mike Stoops’ eight seasons as coach.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: Oregon -14.5

ABOUT ARIZONA (1-2, 0-1 Pac-12 South): Senior quarterback Nick Foles has completed 75.4 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Senior receiver Juron Criner has five touchdown catches against Oregon over the past two seasons. Criner ranks fifth in school history with 146 career receptions. Senior running back Keola Antolin needs 45 yards to become the 13th Arizona player with 2,000 career rushing yards. Arizona’s defense is allowing 473.3 yards per game and has only three sacks and two takeaways in three games.

ABOUT OREGON (2-1, 0-0 Pac-12 North): The Ducks are averaging 50.7 points and 539.7 yards. Junior running back LaMichael James rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 56-7 win over Missouri State for his fourth career 200-yard game. James also matched Derek Loville’s career touchdowns record of 45. Junior quarterback Darron Thomas has excelled with 10 touchdown passes and one interception. Oregon’s defense has been shaky and has only four sacks and four takeaways (three interceptions, one fumble) in three games. Junior linebacker Michael Clay (ankle) will likely miss his second consecutive game but junior safety John Boyett (knee) should be back after missing the Missouri State game. Junior cornerback Cliff Harris is expected to see increased playing time after having it limited as punishment for off-season issues.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oregon has won six of the last seven meetings in Tucson, Ariz.

2. Foles has passed for 762 yards and seven touchdowns in the past two games against Oregon.

3. The two teams have combined for 1,943 yards and 162 points in the last two meetings.

PREDICTION: Oregon 48, Arizona 30 - There is no such thing as defense when these two teams meet, but Oregon’s superior talent trumps the strong arm of Foles and big-play ability of Criner.