Kirk Herbstreit details how Bo Nix can lead Oregon to road win over Utah

Oregon is still alive to reach the College Football Playoff, but the Ducks can’t afford another loss. Bo Nix and company have a huge road test on Saturday against a Utah team that is still in the playoff picture, too.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit spoke on SportsCenter Saturday morning about how Bo Nix can lead Oregon to a win.

“He’s gotta be a distributor, because in front of this crowd, and with that [Utah] defense and how electric they are, one thing about Bo Nix – the guy’s played so much football,” Herbstreit said. “And coming out of the SEC, he’s seen every environment. He will not be intimidated.”

Nix spent three seasons at Auburn, before transferring to Oregon prior to the 2022 season. He was inconsistent with the Tigers but has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country during his time in Eugene.

So far this season, Nix is completing better than 78 percent of his passes for 2,089 yards and 19 touchdowns, with only one interception. The senior has also rushed for 105 yards and two scores.

“His ability to make plays, I think, with his arm, and really, his ability to create, I think, will be the biggest thing today,” Herbstreit said. “It’s going to be tough to run the football in the trenches against Utah, especially in between the tackles. Look for him to get the ball out on the perimeter quickly, and then [make plays scrambling].”

While Nix will provide a tough test for the Utah defense, the Utes also present a difficult challenge for Nix and the Oregon offense.

Utah is currently No. 14 in total defense nationally and was able to slow down Caleb Williams and USC last weekend. Herbstreit expects the Utes to be prepared for Nix and his scrambling ability

“Utah obviously knows that [Nix is dangerous]. They’re going to spy him. They’re going to come up with different ways to try and keep him in the pocket,” Herbstreit said. “That’s what Bo Nix has done his whole career, especially since he’s been in Eugene, is when he pulls it and he starts to make a play, that’s when he’s dangerous. But he’s going to have to deal with this [crowd] the whole game.”

Saturday’s game between Utah and Oregon will kick off at 3:30 p.m., with the winner still very much alive to make the Pac-12 championship and potentially the College Football Playoff. Herbstreit expects a fun and exciting game.

“The Oregon Ducks are going to be the best team [Utah has] faced up to this point,” Herbstreit said. “They’re athletic. Dan Lanning has brought a chippiness to their team.”