Arkansas St. Vs. Oregon: Preview, Start Time, TV Schedule, Odds, And More

Chip Kelly and his Oregon Ducks begin the season against Gus Mahlzahn and the Arkansas State Red Wolves on Saturday.

By Craig Powers@TheCraigPowers Aug 25, 2012, 12:27pm PDT

EUGENE OR - NOVEMBER 26: Head Coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks walks the sidelines against the Arizona Wildcats on November 26 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Defending Pac-12 and Rose Bowl Champions, the Oregon Ducks, begin what is expected to be another highly successful season, as they take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves this Saturday, Sept. 1 at Autzen Stadium.

Head Coach Chip Kelly made big news last week when he named redshirt freshman Marcus Mariota the starting quarterback over sophomore Bryan Bennett. Bennett had done well in limited opportunities a season ago, but Mariota impressed in spring camp, especially the spring game, and has ascended to the top of the depth chart.

Oregon opens the season among the contenders for the national title, as they are ranked 5th in both the Coaches' and AP polls. Arkansas State won the Sun Belt conference a season ago with a 10-3 record, then saw head coach Hugh Freeze leave for a job at Ole Miss. The Red Wolves made their own splash when they lured Gus Mahlzahn away from the Auburn Tigers to lead their program.

Lots of interesting storylines to start the season in this game.

Game time, TV channel: 4:30 p.m. PT, ESPN

Point Spread: Oregon favored by 35 1/2.

For news, discussion and more:

For more on Ducks football, visit Oregon blog Addicted To Quack, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

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