In a season filled with high stakes, the Oregon Ducks are gearing up for one of their most important games yet as they face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils. With the Oregon team eyeing the opportunity to break curses, secure a spot in the conference title game, and potentially rewrite records, anticipation is mounting for the clash in Tempe.

The Ducks have never emerged victorious in a late-season game in Arizona, with past trips to Tempe and Tucson resulting in heartbreaking losses. The scars from these defeats, dating back to the Dennis Dixon era and the fateful night against the Arizona Wildcats in 2007, still linger for Oregon. However, this weekend presents their final chance to conquer the desert curse and pave the way for a Pac-12 title game berth and a potential College Football Playoff spot.

Despite suffering some minor injuries in their last game against the USC Trojans, key players for the Ducks, including running back Bucky Irving, center Jackson Powers-Johnson, and cornerbacks Khyree Jackson, Jahlil Florence, and Dontae Manning, have participated in practice this week. It remains to be seen how much these players will be utilized on Saturday. Given the potential for victory against the Sun Devils, Oregon may opt to rest their injured players, ensuring their full strength for the regular-season finale against the Oregon State Beavers.

In the race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, Bo Nix, the Auburn quarterback, currently leads the pack as the favorite, followed closely by Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and LSU's Jayden Daniels. The outcome of this weekend's games could significantly impact this race, as Nix faces a vulnerable defense while Penix battles against a formidable Oregon State defensive unit. A standout performance from either player could solidify their Heisman credentials, while a lackluster showing may hinder their chances.

Beyond individual accolades, the Ducks have their sights set on rewriting the record books. Wide receiver Troy Franklin needs just 92 yards to break the school's single-season receiving record, currently held by Dillon Mitchell at 1,184 yards. Additionally, with two touchdowns, Franklin would tie the all-time receiving touchdown record at 24 and establish a new single-season receiving touchdown record. Meanwhile, kicker Camden Lewis is only six points away from surpassing Royce Freeman's career points record of 384, putting him in the Duck's history books with his scoring prowess.

In the broader landscape of the Pac-12, chaos looms as the fifth-ranked Washington Huskies face off against the eleventh-ranked Oregon State Beavers. With the Beavers currently favored at home, an upset victory would open up a plethora of possibilities for the conference standings. Should Oregon prevail in their matchup with Arizona State and Washington wins, alongside a Utah victory, the Ducks would secure a rematch against the Huskies in the Pac-12 title game. However, an Oregon State triumph would introduce tiebreaker scenarios, where the winner of the Oregon versus Oregon State game holds the key to their conference title game fate.

As anticipation builds for the game against Arizona State, Oregon fans are hoping for a Washington victory this week, setting up a tantalizing path to conference success. The Ducks understand the magnitude of this game and the potential it holds for their season. Breaking the curse, clinching a conference title spot, and rewriting records are at the forefront of their ambitions as they prepare to take the field in Tempe.