Just look at these two programs over the past decade and you'll see this game is a virtual toss up with plenty of fireworks in store for Autzen Stadium. How about the Ducks? They have already beaten Washington, UCLA, and USC for the first time since the Depression. This week they have Arizona at home before the Green and Gold's rabid fans. Perhaps the Wildcats are brewing something; after a slow and unimpressive start to the season, they appear to be gaining momentum in the critical month of October. Once again, the victor gets a leg up for the Rose Bowl.

Even though they had the Pac-10's top offense last year, Arizona has made their mark with stifling defense over the past several years. Dick Tomey likes the rough and rumble play of Desert Swarm from years gone by. Along the way his coaches recruited fast offensive athletes for their big play schemes. Consistency has been problematic, but when they get it going -- look out!

Mike Bellotti has built Oregon into a top-flight contender for conference championships with his versatile offensive strategies and changing formations. Defense has had some setbacks, but now they have the quickness on D to match up with the league's speediest wide receivers, allowing them to play man coverage and blitz the quarterback more often.

Although these two teams have only met eight times in the last ten years, it's interesting to compare some of the facts: Oregon leads in head to head 3-5; the Ducks have been to seven bowls, the Cats six; Arizona's overall record is 71-46-1, Oregon 70-48-0; Arizona's home record is 44-16, Oregon 45-16; the Ducks are 53-15 when favored, the Cats 54-17-1; as underdogs, Oregon is 15-32 and Arizona is 15-28. Everything says these two teams have as much or more in common with one another than any two programs in the Pac 10.

No. 11 Oregon

Game Plan: No. 11 Oregon

Offense: Get the ball in Morris' hands 25-30 times. Angle block the stunts and blitzes. Counter play could be best run play. Look for Peelle inside the 20 yard line for TDs. Defense: Speed rush on outside with slow rush up middle to contain Jenkins. Force freshman Farmer to cough up the ball. Use zone pass defense most of the time. Kicking: Expect all out rushes on punts -- everyone protect. Directional kick off to contain returns. Players: Must crank it up again, fight to stay where you are. Get the home crowd with you early and keep them. Get turnovers early in game and score. Coaches: Take sure points every time in scoring zone. Have all blitzes reviewed for adjustments during game. Keep the defense active and attacking.

The Ducks are one of those teams who have already surpassed the early expectations of most fans. Now the fun begins. The Ducks are now the hunted and will be for the remainder of the season. No longer will teams look past them to Washington or USC. With respect comes the realization that the opponent will bring his "A-Game" every Saturday. The way they handled Washington was the biggest message sent by this young and aggressive team. They did it by dissecting a defense that had completely controlled the Miami Hurricanes vaunted attack.

Joey Harrington is the best quarterback in the West at this time; he makes plays for his team and can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Harrington is 8-1 since taking over the starting position late last year and showed his ability to put up big numbers last week against USC with a career-high 382 yards and four touchdowns.

Maurice Morris is averaging 118 yards per game rushing and is the third leading receiver on the team. Morris is the real core of the offense because of his all-around ability. Keenan Howry is the main target for Harrington, while tight end Justin Peelle has the most touchdown receptions with three.

The Ducks are averaging 428 yards a game on offense and will be the best unit the Wildcats will face this year. They average 21 points a game, which is low for a high-flying machine like theirs and it might show on Saturday night.

If the offense is thrown off pace, look for the defense to take over and win this game for Oregon. They are permitting only 262.4 yards per game and getting the ball back for the offense in great field position with a +7 turnover margin. The Mighty Duck D proved they knew what to do against Washington, UCLA, and USC by taking away the favorite weapons of those teams and forcing them to use alternate means.

Arizona

Game Plan: No. 20 Arizona

Offense: Block for the run. Farmer needs at least 100 yards. Use some max protection with banged up line. Jenkins and veterans must take control of game. Defense: Get after Harrington from all angles. Mix blitz and zone with great disguises and have some new looks for Duck offense to study. Keep an eye on Peelle inside 20-yard line. Kicking: Win this area with great field position and one score. Cover the eligible receivers when full rush is on punter. Set the tempo of the game. Players: It will be cool, do not over dress with extra clothes. Win this one for the coach -- he is O-fer at Autzen. Do not play recklessly, maintain poise and confidence. Coaches: Keep the enthusiasm at a very high level with pep talks. Attack! Attack! Attack! Use your best plans this week. Have an extra special two-point play available.

After 1999 Dick Tomey had to make some real hard judgments about his team and their ability to challenge for conference and national honors. Arizona is the only team in the Pac-10 not to have played in the Rose Bowl, and the Tucson faithful know how disappointing last year was when so many were making plans for Pasadena all summer long.

This year the Wildcat presence is one of quiet work and determination with Tomey orchestrating his talents as motivator and trail driver. When the Wildcats started slowly, some fans may have thought they would not get out of last year's hole. The last month has shown the Wildcats are alive, well, and kicking in Tucson. Now the tough news. Despite the fact that Tomey is the winningest and best football coach in Arizona history, he hasn't won at Autzen Stadium in his 14 years with the Wildcats.

The man in charge is Ortege Jenkins, who can do some magical things with the football. If the offensive line were not so banged up the stats would look much better for this unit. OG Steve Grace is out for the remainder of the season, OT Makao Frietas is questionable this week, and OC Bruce Wiggins is doubtful against the Ducks. The highlight of the season to date is freshman Clarence Farmer who leads the team in rushing and averaging with over 5 yards a carry. Look for Jenkins to have the ball in his hands and on the move often Saturday night.

Desert Swarm it's not, but this defensive unit will scrap and fight with anyone in college football. Defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson and his staff have been together for several seasons. They have ruined many an offensive "genius" over the years, and would like to clip some wings this week. This multiple-movement defense is one of the most difficult to block with its many stunts and blitzes. The tight man-to-man coverage puts a premium on passing accuracy for a quarterback while dodging relentless pressure on every play. Overall the defense gives up a meager 288 yards a game. The Cats, along with Oregon, have proved that defense has again reared its ugly head on the west coast.

Both teams are +7 in the turnover margin so a negative in this area may be the difference. Look for Arizona to try something new in the kicking game for this big game.