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Two Top-10 teams will square off when Michigan State travels to Oregon Saturday in a game that could have major national championship implications.
The game between the Spartans and Ducks is not only the first meeting of Top 10 teams this season, but (using the current rankings) is the only scheduled nonconference matchup of that caliber. It is also an exotic clash of contrasting styles between Oregon’s high-flying offense and Michigan State’s ground-and-pound attack.
While the winner gains an inside track to the college football playoff, even the loser of this game won’t necessarily be eliminated.
“I think there’s upside to playing as long as you play well,” Big Ten Commissioner, of which Michigan State is a member, Jim Delany told USA Today. “I view it as good wins, great wins and good losses. There are a number of ways this could be a positive. … The winner, whether it’s home or away, should always carry the value of the win. But the loser, if it plays well — I would say a game against a highly regarded opponent on the road is greater than a win against a nondescript team.”
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch on TV & Online
TV: FOX
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: If you have access to a cable subscription log-in and password, you can watch the game online for free through Fox Sports Go.
HOW TO WATCH ON MOBILE: You can watch the game for free on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the Fox Sports Go app. You can download the app for free in the Apple Store or the Windows Store.
The Basics
WHO: Michigan State at Oregon
WHEN: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Eastern
WHERE: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
LINE: Oregon by 12
Michigan State Players to Watch
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Quarterback Connor Cook (pictured): Cook was nearly flawless in Week 1, completing 12-of-13 passes for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns. But that was against Jacksonville State, and in the friendly confines of East Lansing. Oregon will provide a much different test, but if Cook can continue to put up strong numbers, Heisman voters will start to take note.
Wide receiver Tony Lippett: senior wideout Tony Lippett. Lippett will look to build on a Week 1 performance in which he had just over 160 yards and a touchdown against a very young Oregon secondary, which starts four freshmen at defensive back.
Oregon Players to Watch
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Quarterback Marcus Mariota (pictured): One of the early-season Heisman favorites, Mariota will get his chance to make a statement against one of the nation’s top defenses. Before throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1, Mariota threw for more than 3,600 yards and 31 touchdowns last year, while also running for more than 700 yards and nine touchdowns.
Defensive End Tony Washington: With Oregon’s young secondary, it will be crucial for the Ducks’ pass rush to put pressure on Cook. Washington led all Ducks last year in tackles for loss as well as sacks, and could help the young Ducks’ get used to the big game atmosphere Saturday.
Heavy’s Pick
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Oregon 38, Michigan State 21
Oregon’s offense is way too potent for Michigan State to hang around with for 60 minutes. Expect the Spartans to fight tough early, but, in the end, Oregon’s athleticism will prevail.