Oregon has won four of the last five and 12 of the last 14 games against Oregon State. This is an in-state rivalry that represents an opportunity to gain some respect if you’re Oregon State and another chance to assert dominance if you’re Oregon.

Both sides have significant things on the line in the matchup. The Ducks can book a trip to a fourth straight Pac-12 Championship Game with a win. The Beavers can win nine regular-season games for the first time since 2012 and set up an opportunity to get to 10 for the first time since 2006.

Bill Connelly’s SP+ sees the Ducks winning a close contest. The predictive model is calling for a 31-27 Oregon win.

The Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac-12) are coming off a 20-17 win over Utah at Autzen Stadium last Saturday. It was a game that saw quarterback Bo Nix play despite being obviously limited by an ankle injury suffered the week prior.

Nix’s status is a little more firm this week. He’s expected to play, and that’s a big boost for the Ducks against one of the Pac-12’s better secondaries. The Beavers lead the league in yards allowed per pass attempt this season and have more interceptions than touchdowns allowed.

In fact, the Bears are one of only 10 FBS teams that have yet to allow double-digit passing scores on the season. With Nix at full strength, Oregon has been one of college football’s most explosive offenses, and the deep ball has been a big part of that.

The Beavers haven’t turned the ball over much since Ben Gulbranson took over at quarterback, so the ability to generate some of those explosive plays and create momentum will be a big factor for the Ducks in the game.

We’ll see which side can come out on top. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC.