Based on Wednesday's practice and the expected return of Justin Herbert, Saturday night should be a fun game at Autzen stadium.

A titanic clash between two capable offenses and teams needing a win for different reasons. Oregon striving for that sixth win to get them bowl eligible. Arizona looking to potentially capture the Pac-12 South.

A lot is at stake this Saturday and I get the feeling both teams will be playing with an extra pep in their step.

We'll get into the keys and who must play well in order for Oregon to win, but for now let's just give a prediction.

The Vegas line opened up even and has swung by 1 point both directions. Ultimately there's no strong feel from Vegas on this game one way or another.

Only 3 times this season has Arizona scored less than 30 points in a game. In the last 5 games, Oregon has scored more than 14 points just a single time. But that changes if Justin Herbert is back. And clearly Vegas agrees.

The Ducks have this game circled. The fight I see in this team shows me they are tired of losing. It also shows me they will have that extra edge on Satruday night.

This one has a last possession, turnover battle kind of feel. WIth that in mind, Oregon's ability to consistently run the ball will give them the ability to control the game and limit turnovers. Assuming they hold on to the football.

I think Jim Leavitt will be able to do enough to limit, not stop, Khalil Tate and keep the game within reach.

Prediction: Oregon 44, Arizona 41

Below is what the esteemed Corpatty and I wrote on Oct. 9 about this very game.

Jhop

Aug. Prediction: 50-24 Oregon

Oct. Prediction: 37-31 Oregon

Assuming Herbert is actually back here for this one, this is a HUGE season-making game for Oregon. Arizona is improved and somehow managed to beat Colorado this past weekend. This game is going to be a lot closer than I expected. There are a lot of moving parts here, but the Ducks will need this one bad to stay on a 7-8 game win projection. This would be Oregon's 7th win if my predictions hold.

Corpatty

Aug. Prediction: Oregon Wins 52-24

Oregon is clicking on all cylinders and rolls over a reeling Arizona squad in a game that is not close after the 1st quarter. Oregon puts up over 600 yards of total offense and the defense stifles the Wildcats forcing 3 turnovers and registering 5 sacks.

Oct. Prediction: Oregon Wins 49-34

Oregon welcomes back Justin Herbert and the offense gets charged up again. Oregon puts it away in the 4th quarter despite a big game from Arizona’s Khalil Tate to keep Arizona close.