Tennessee @ Oregon preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Oregon 48, Tennessee 13

It’s safe to say the transition from Chip Kelly to Mark Helfrich has been seamless as No. 2 Oregon hosts Tennessee on Saturday in the third game of the post-Kelly era. The high-flying offense hasn’t missed a beat by scoring an average of 62.5 points (third nationally) and ranking second in total offense (664.5) and second in rushing offense (425.0). Tennessee has allowed just 20 points in two games, ranks 29th in total defense (302.0) and has forced nine turnovers.

The Volunteers’ gaudy defensive statistics will be tested by the high-powered Ducks as the first two opponents – Austin Peay and Western Kentucky – lacked the weapons Oregon possesses. First-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones said his team needs to prevent the quick long-yardage scores the Ducks are known for and make them drive the field for points. Oregon is averaging a stellar 9.5 yards per play after opening the Helfrich era with routs over Nicholls State (66-3) and Virgina (59-10).

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Oregon -27.5.

ABOUT TENNESSEE (2-0): Junior quarterback Justin Worley has thrown four touchdowns on just 32 passes while senior running back Rajion Neal (215 yards, four touchdowns) has played well and rushed for three touchdowns in the win over Western Kentucky. The defense has been tremendous with seven interceptions and sophomore strong safety Brian Randolph had two of the unit’s five picks against Western Kentucky. Junior cornerback Justin Coleman and freshman cornerback Cameron Sutton each returned interceptions for touchdowns against the Hilltoppers but the opportunistic defense is led by junior middle linebacker A.J. Johnson (228 career tackles).

ABOUT OREGON (2-0): Sophomore Marcus Mariota (433 passing yards, 253 rushing) is off to a strong start and his 122 rushing yards against Virginia made him the first Ducks quarterback to rush for 100 or more yards in back-to-back games. Junior gamebreaker running back Anthony Thomas (252 rushing yards, five touchdowns) also has recorded consecutive 100-yard outings and is averaging an impressive 8.7 yards per carry. The defense gets overshadowed by the offensive fireworks but junior outside linebacker Derrick Malone (team-best 23 tackles) and junior defensive end Tony Washington (2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles) are off to strong starts and the unit had four takeaways in the rout of Virginia.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oregon won the lone previous meeting -- 48-13 in 2010 at Knoxville, Tenn.

2. The Ducks have scored 17 touchdowns, 15 coming on drives of under two minutes.

3. Volunteers senior DE Jacques Smith (broken thumb) is expected to play after missing the first two games.

PREDICTION: Oregon 56, Tennessee 17