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The UA Wildcats and Oregon Ducks haven’t met since the 2014 Pac-12 Championship game.
Logan Newman/azcentral sports

Arizona hits the road this week for a Pac-12 game against Oregon in Eugene.

Arizona is 5-2 in conference play. Oregon is 2-5.

Arizona is 7-3 overall. Oregon is 5-5.

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ON FACEBOOK: Give us your Arizona vs. Oregon prediction

Who will win the game Saturday? The Heat Index gathered some picks and predictions.

Pete Fiutak writes: “It doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback, the Arizona offense and Khalil Tate are humming along too well. The Duck D should keep the game from getting out of hand, but at the moment, the Wildcats are better equipped for a firefight. Arizona will give up yards, but they’ll make up for it with big plays from Tate and the unstoppable ground game. The Cats are 7-0 when running for over 240 yards, 0-3 when under the mark. Oregon has allowed over 240 yards on the ground in two of its last four games.”

Jon Wilner writes: “The Wildcats are yielding 187 yards per game on the ground in conference play. Royce Freeman, his career coming to a close, should have a stellar game — maybe not 200 yards, but 150+. Combine that with a few big completions by Herbert, and the Ducks will have no trouble moving the ball.”

Theo Lawson writes: “The Wildcats are using the core concepts of an offense that once made the Ducks great. And the quarterback running it? Maybe even more exciting than Marcus Mariota.”

Brett Nault writes: “Arizona got back on the winning track led by their rushing attack that has been nearly unstoppable since Khalil Tate took over the starting duties at QB. Oregon looked primed to get back into contention in the Pac-12 after their offense looked unstoppable early in the season, however, injuries have really slowed down the Ducks offensive attack. Oregon does have one of the better rushing defenses in the country that could help slow down the Arizona rushing attack, however, if Herbert is unable to play in this one, it’s hard to see the Ducks putting up a lot of points. This game has yet to be lined due to the uncertainly of Herbert, however, if he doesn’t play, I’m probably going to roll with the Wildcats as long as the line isn’t too ridiculous.”

Ken Cross writes: “The Wildcats running game behind Khalil Tate and J.J. Taylor could put up massive numbers against the struggling Ducks’ rushing defense. He had 206 yards and two scores as he averaged 9.7 yards per carry in last week’s 49-28 win over Oregon State. Oregon has struggled offensively since Justin Herbert left three games ago with an injury and hasn’t returned. Braxton Burmeister has two touchdown passes against six picks.”

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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports’ George Schroeder looks at the most recent College Football Playoff rankings and which teams have the best chance to make the playoff.
USA TODAY Sports

More picks:

athlonsports.com: Two of three experts pick Arizona

oregonlive.com:  2 of three experts pick Arizona

  • Ken Goe’s prediction: Arizona 39, Oregon 35
  • Sean Meagher’s prediction: Oregon 35, Arizona 34
  • Joel Odom’s prediction: Arizona 48, Oregon 45

sbnation.com: Arizona 34, Oregon 32

What’s your prediction for Saturday’s Arizona vs. Oregon game? Share it in the comments, on our Facebook post and vote in our Twitter poll.

PAC-12 POWER RANKINGS: Where are Arizona, Oregon ranked now?

For more from The Heat Index, go to heatindex.azcentral.com.

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