Roundup: Battle of the undefeateds in Eugene

Another Thursday night, another battle between undefeated Pac-12 teams. This time around, No. 2 Oregon hosts Arizona with revenge on its mind after last year’s loss in Tucson, writes Ted Miller. ESPN at 7:30 p.m. PT is where you need to be.

On the other sideline, Thayer Evans of SI tells us how Marcus Mariota is Anu Solomon’s inspiration. Now, Solomon gets a chance to take him down. If you have any down time before the game, try to learn how to pronounce and memorize Solomon’s actual full name – Jarrett Pekelo Kahanuolaokalani (it’s not that bad if you break it down into parts).

Redemption isn’t just a theme for Arizona-Oregon, because Doug Haller says USC may be motivated by revenge against Arizona State on Saturday. After all, it was after the loss to Arizona State that Lane Kiffin was dismissed.

Jon Wilner asked David Shaw about what would have happened from an off-the-field standpoint if Jameis Winston committed to Stanford – would he have had as many non-football headlines? The Heisman Trophy winner narrowed his choices down to Florida State and Stanford before opting for Tallahassee.

Former Ute and current Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. absolutely unloaded on Carolina Panthers GM David Gettleman in a radio interview after “Inside the NFL” aired Smith telling his former Carolina teammates to “make sure you mow my lawn” upon returning to Charlotte (the Ravens destroyed the Panthers 38-10 last Sunday in Maryland). Smith has always been good for a quote or 35.

Here’s the latest episode of “Overdrive,” a behind-the-scenes look at Brett Hundley, Eldridge Massington and Librado Barocio doing some off-field bonding.

Kyle Ringo reports that Colorado wide receiver Elijah Dunston is out for the season with a torn ACL. He did not record an offensive stat this season, but could get some more burn in 2015. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

Jeff Faraudo believes that Cal needs to improve its pass defense quickly, because Washington State is not a good opponent to have a poor secondary showing against.

Connor Letourneau informs the curious public that Oregon State men’s basketball is holding tryouts this weekend, with the hopes of adding five walk-ons.

Scott Wolf lets us know that USC cornerback Adoree Jackson wants to be recognized for his work ethic, not for the fame he had upon entering USC as a top-notch recruit.

CougCenter previews Jared Goff and the Cal offense. Air Raid vs. Bear Raid, as it hath been pointed out more than once this week. And do you wanna see what it might look like if Mike Leach was dancing to “Turn Down for What?” Sure you do; it’ll only take six seconds of your time (multiplied by 1,000).

No game for the Dawgs on Saturday, so Washington is using the bye week to recruit and take a look inwards, writes Christian Caple.