GAME NOTES: In what appears to be a colossal mismatch, the 25th-ranked Oregon Ducks will host the Portland State Vikings, a team that doesn't even compete at the Division I-A level. Portland State is a member of I-AA's Big Sky Conference, and this weekend's clash represents a major jump in competition. Give the Vikings a great deal of credit, as they have already faced two other I-A schools this year. They did manage to beat New Mexico in a 17-6 final, but then were handled rather easily by California, 42-16. Cal is a member of Oregon's Pac-10 Conference, and the Ducks are heavy favorites heading into this contest. Oregon is 3-0 at home this season and has won six straight in Eugene dating back to last year. On a down note, Oregon has lost two of its last three games overall since a 4-0 start to the campaign. Last weekend, the Ducks traveled to Washington State and were sent away with a 34-23 defeat. Oregon has won its only two previous meetings with Portland State, including a 41-0 thrashing of the Vikings back in 2002.

Portland State can best be described as a mediocre offensive team, although the club failed to reach 20 points in either of the two games in which it faced Division I-A opposition. The Vikings are averaging 23.2 ppg and 276.8 ypg overall, numbers that could certainly stand some improvement. Sawyer Smith has taken the majority of the snaps for PSU, and he has completed 52 percent of his passes for 960 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Brendan Ferrigno has made 25 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns, while Tremayne Kirkland has four touchdown receptions to his credit. As for the ground attack, Kelena Ho'okano has four touchdowns. Last weekend, Portland State rolled to a 34-0 decision over Eastern Washington. Muammar Ali was tremendous, as the tailback carried 29 times for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns. As for Smith, he connected on 11-of-19 passes for 199 yards and one score.

The Portland State defense is the heart and soul of the team, limiting opponents to just 14.2 points and 288.9 total yards per game. The Vikings have been tough against the run, as foes are only gaining 108.4 ypg on 3.3 ypc. Perhaps the most impressive stat of all involves the pass defense, as PSU has 16 interceptions with only four passing touchdowns allowed. Overall, the Vikings have generated 27 turnovers in eight games, a tremendous total by any standard. Add 23 sacks to the mix and it is obvious that this Viking defense is capable of making big play after big play. Adam Hayward has been a force, as he has made 76 total tackles, including 13 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. Odell Jackson leafs the club with four interceptions. In the shutout victory over Eastern Washington last weekend, the Vikings surrendered only 164 total yards, including just 14 rushing yards, and posted seven sacks.

Oregon currently ranks fourth nationally in total offense, gaining 460.1 ypg. The club is also 14th among I-A teams in scoring offense at 34.0 ppg. The Ducks have been able to establish a tremendous balance, as they are registering 192.1 ypg on the ground and 268.7 ypg through the air. Also, their 28 offensive touchdowns have been split equally between the run and the pass. Dennis Dixon has taken the majority of snaps, and he has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,544 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As for Brady Leaf, he has thrown four touchdowns with one interception in limited duty. Jaison Williams is a force on the outside, as he has made 45 catches for 709 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. The ground attack is spearheaded by Jonathan Stewart, as he has rushed for 631 yards and five touchdowns. Jeremiah Johnson averages 6.9 ypc and has five rushing scores as well. In the loss to Washington State last weekend, Dixon threw a pair of interceptions and was replaced by Leaf, who racked up 262 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns. Stewart was completely shut down by the Cougars, as Johnson was the better of the team's backs.

There is room for improvement on defense for Oregon, as the squad is surrendering 25.6 ppg to go along with 321.1 total ypg. Stopping the run has proven difficult for the Ducks, as they are yielding 169.6 ypg and 4.5 ypc. The pass defense has been better, allowing an average of 151.6 ypg. Oregon has generated 11 turnovers in seven outings, a figure that isn't about to scare any opponents. On a positive note, foes are only converting 34 percent of their third down opportunities against the Ducks. Blair Phillips leads Oregon with 71 total tackles, including 4.5 TFLs. Jairus Byrd has recorded three interceptions to pace the squad. Last weekend, Washington State was able to rack up 20 first downs and 372 total yards against Oregon, which lost the game by double figures despite generating a trio of turnovers. The Cougars made an early commitment to run the ball in the contest, and the Ducks were unable to slow them down.

Obviously, Oregon should be considered the favorite and figures to roll over the Vikings. The Ducks may be out of contention for the Pac-10 title at this point, but a major bowl bid is still in the cards.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oregon 41, Portland State 10