Otto Greule Jr

EUGENE — Willie Taggart wasn’t around for Oregon’s 13-year winning streak against Washington, nor for the Huskies’ 70-21 revenge win last season. But for being new to the rivalry, UO’s first-year coach understands what Saturday’s game in Seattle means.

“I know the feelings when it comes to Oregon and Washington,” Taggart said. “I’ve heard that from Day One what it’s like.”

One week after snapping a three-game losing streak in a 41-20 win against Utah, the Ducks visit Husky Stadium on Saturday to face the reigning Pac-12 champion Huskies.

A sneak-peek preview of that game:

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Oregon at No. 12 Washington

When: 7 p.m., Husky Stadium, Washington

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Records: Oregon (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12); Washington (7-1, 4-1)

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Huskies this season: After winning their first six games, the Huskies lost a stunning upset to Arizona State on Oct. 14 in which their generated just seven points and 230 yards of offense (UW is averaging 38.6 points per game). They got back on track last weekend with a 44-23 home win against UCLA. UW rebuilt its secondary in the offseason yet still ranks 13th nationally in team passing efficiency defense and second in total defense, allowing 236.3 yards per game. Redshirt freshman starting cornerback Byron Murphy is "getting closer" to playing, Petersen said this week, which would be a boon to a defense that missed its other starting corner against UCLA, Jordan Miller, due to a broken ankle. Other notable injured contributors include tight end Hunter Bryant (leg), and a trio that will miss the rest of the season in left tackle Trey Adams, receiver Chico McClatcher and tight end David Ajamu. Running back Myles Gaskin is averaging 99.4 yards per game while Lavon Coleman adds 42 more, and Jake Browning is the nation's 17th-rated passer who has thrown for 212.9 yards per game. With three punt-return touchdowns, leading receiver Dante Pettis (5.6 catches and 60.5 yards per game) has tied the NCAA all-time record of eight in a career. Pettis averages 20.5 yards per return.

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Otto Greule Jr

Chris Petersen is 34-15 in four seasons at Washington.

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Star power: Washington's defense has allowed the nation's fewest plays of 20-plus yards with 14, which is seven fewer than second-place Alabama. (For context, Oregon's defense has allowed 43 plays of 20 yards or more, and ranks 100th.) UW also ranks first nationally with three plays of 30-plus yards allowed, and second with 65 plays of 10-plus yards.

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Did you know: Former Oregon receivers coach and offensive coordinator Matt Lubick, and former UO intern Tyler Osborne, are part of the Huskies' staff this season under coach Chris Petersen.

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Threat level (1-5 scale): 5. Will Oregon QB Justin Herbert play? It's the question that looms over this matchup -- yet even if the sophomore returns for his first action since fracturing a collarbone Sept. 30, the Huskies defense will be pose a huge challenge.

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Early prediction: Washington 38, Oregon 21

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