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Oregon vs. Virginia prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the Week 2 matchup between the Ducks and Cavaliers in Autzen Stadium.

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Oregon vs. Virginia Game Preview

The lone meeting between these schools occurred in 2013 when the Ducks blew out the Hoos 59-10. In that game, the Cavs allowed 557 total yards and turned the ball over four times. The Cavaliers did not start the Bronco Mendenhall in style last week in Charlottesville, as FCS Richmond claimed a 37-20 win. The defense struggled in its first game in Mendenhall’s 3-4 alignment, as missed assignments and missed tackles prevailed. After a bit of a rough start, the Ducks took down UC Davis 53-28 in their opener, as quarterback Dakota Prukop passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns in his first start.

What To Know About Virginia

The Spiders controlled the game from the get-go, which is concerning if you’re attached to the Cavs program. Kyle Lauletta passed for 337 yards, and the Spiders held Virginia to negative rushing yards heading into the fourth quarter. The Spiders outgained Virginia 524-302 and won for just the third time in 33 meetings in the series—and its first victory against the Cavs since 1946. The loss underscored just how tough a rebuild it will be for Mendenhall, who went to a bowl game every year at BYU.

What to Know About Oregon

Mark Helfrich’s team wants to play faster, so expect that to be a focus at practice this week. The grad transfer from Montana State completed 21 of 30 passes and also scored on a 1-yard run. This was not the first time Prukop faced UC Davis, as he did so two years ago while with the Bobcats. He had over 500 yards of total offense and six scores in another easy victory. Meanwhile, Royce Freeman rushed for 87 yards and two scores, while Darren Carrington caught seven passes for 117 yards and a score.

Advantages

Offense: Oregon. Expect the Ducks to look crisp offensively after working on their tempo this week.

Defense: Oregon. Virginia was able to generate a bit of a pass rush against Richmond, but they still allowed 524 yards. The Ducks debuted their revamped defense under new coordinator Brady Hoke, and freshman Troy Dye had 11 tackles, a sack and a blocked field goal.

Special Teams: Oregon. In the opener, Charles Nelson finished with 288 all-purpose yards, including a 48-yard punt return and a 62-yard kickoff return. He did fumble on his opening punt return and also fumbled on a kickoff return at the end of the third quarter, but he’s explosive.

Coaching: Oregon. The Ducks can surprise in the Pac-12 this season if the defense shows that it indeed has improved.

Intangibles: Oregon. The Cavs are a beaten bunch right now.

Matchup To Watch

Nelson vs. Virginia kickoff unit

Nelson moved back to offense after switching to safety for a time last season, and he came into the new season needing 591 kick return yards to match all-time leader De’Anthony Thomas. The Cavs need to be aware of his presence.

Virginia vs. Oregon Betting Odds

Spread: Oregon -20.5

Over/Under: 68

Oregon vs. Virginia Prediction

The Ducks will be facing a wounded Virginia squad that really has nothing to lose. The best way to erase a loss to an FCS opponent would be to steal a road night game at Autzen. It may not be 59-10 like it was a few years ago, but the Ducks should roll. Hoos quarterback Kurt Benkert, who had three passing touchdowns in the opener, will find some room to throw. But the Ducks will overwhelm on offense.

Oregon vs. Virginia Score Prediction: Oregon 48, Virginia 26

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections