ASU has handled Oregon in recent years, but beating a quality team four straight years is easier said than done. That said, the Sun Devils have more talent and should come out on top.
Quarterback
Key Player: Sam Keller
After his first bad start as a college quarterback, Keller has said he'll be fine against Oregon. He'll have the chance to prove it Saturday.
Kellen Clemens is a three-year starter and fits well in Oregon's new system. His running ability makes him a double threat, and the receivers he has are quality.
Edge: ASU
Running Backs
Key Player: Keegan Herring
Herring's production has been down as of late. He's rushed for 117 combined yards the past two games with an average of 3.9 yards per carry.
Oregon's Terrence Whitehead rushed for 1,144 yards last season, but has not been the same this year. He has just 177 yards in four games. Some of his carries have been taken away with Clemens running the ball, as well.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
Key Player: Derek Hagan
Hagan played well but not spectacularly in the first three games, but has turned it on lately. Hagan has 21 catches and 355 yards in his last two contests, and currently ranks second in the nation in receiving yards.
Demetrius Williams has looked good for the Ducks, amassing 572 yards receiving. Tim Day was one of the conference's top tight ends last season but has started slowly this year.
Edge: ASU
Offensive Line
Key Player: Grayling Love
With the exception of Love and Brandon Rodd, the ASU offensive line's starters have been banged up. Zach Krula was lost for the year against Northwestern, and Stephen Berg and Andrew Carnahan have both missed some practice time this week. Carnahan won't play against Oregon.
The Oregon line is young, as just two starters return from last season.
Edge: ASU
Defensive Line
Key Player: Haloti Ngata
Ngata was on the Lombardi and Nagurski award preseason watch-lists and is playing like he deserves to be there. He has two sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a blocked kick and a safety. Fellow lineman Darius Sanders leads the team with six tackles for loss.
The ASU line played well in the first half against USC, but was clearly outmanned after intermission.
Edge: Oregon
Linebacker
Key Player: Dale Robinson
Robinson continues to be a man among boys at his middle linebacker position. He had a team-high 14 tackles against USC and seemed to be one of the only players with any energy near the end of the contest.,
The Oregon linebacking corps is young its biggest question mark.
Edge: ASU
Secondary
Key Player: Aaron Gipson
Gipson is tied for second in the nation with four interceptions. Fellow corner Justin Phinisee is also solid. This group has a lot of experience but must be at the top of its game to slow down the ASU offense.
Zach Catanese has been a nice surprise for the defense, constantly involved in the run and pass coverage. The ASU secondary played very well against the Trojans.
Edge: Even
Special Teams
Key Player: Jonathan Stewart
Oregon's Jonathan Stewart is averaging more than 40 yards per kick return, including a touchdown. Kicker Paul Martinez already has 15 field goals for the Ducks.
ASU's Terry Richardson became the first ASU punt returner to score a touchdown since Shaun McDonald when he ran back 84 yards against USC.
The punt coverage was fantastic against the elusive Reggie Bush. If ASU plays that well on special teams every week, it makes it much tougher to beat.
Edge: Oregon
