ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game
Well we are one sleep away from the big Husky Hate week game in Autzen stadium. Today we go over the defense and who might step up on that side of the ball.
This is going to be a big test for the Oregon defense. The Husky offense is pretty prolific and can really move the ball downfield. It’s going to be a big test for this secondary.
Which likely explains most of the picks below. Now onto the picks.
Jarrid Denney: Christian Gonzalez
In his return to Boulder last Saturday, Christian Gonzalez played arguably the most impactful game of his college career and grabbed two interceptions.
The Ducks’ sophomore corner has been one of the best in the country at his position this season and is soaring up draft boards as a result. He’ll have another chance to boost his stock on Saturday against a loaded of receivers.
UW wideouts Rome Oduzne and Jalen McMillan are both in the midst of very productive seasons. The 6-foot-3 Oduzne ranks third in the nation with 107.2 receiving yards per game and he went for 102 yards against a very good Oregon State secondary last week.
Oregon will need Gonzalez to hold Odunze in check. I wouldn’t bet against doing so at this point.
Joel Gunderson: Bryan Addison
The praise continues to reign down on Addison, who is enjoying, by far, his best season. Through misuse and injury, Addison made a minimal impact during his first four years in Eugene; with the arrival of the new staff, a new position, and apparent health, Addison has arguably been Oregon’s best defender the past month.
They’ll need his best on Saturday to slow down the Huskies’ passing game.If Addison can snag an interception, that would be huge. If not, he needs to do what he’s been doing: be a ballhawk, a savage tackler, and a long, lanky threat that forces Penix to think twice before throwing in his direction.
Corpatty: Bryan Addison
We all know that UW is a pass-first offense and has had good success through the air this season. That’s going to challenge the Oregon secondary. However I think Bryan Addison will be up to that challenge and will intercept Penix leading to an extra possession and great field position for the Oregon offense. That interception and extra possession will be the difference in the game.
Jhop: Noah Sewell
It’s time to unleash the beast. I think Sewell has gotten better and better each week. He’s still not the same terrorizing figure we expected this season, but he’s still one of the fiercest players on the field.
He knows this rivalry. He knows what’s on the line this weekend. He will take that to heart and I think we’ll see the best version of Sewell this weekend. And heck, he might even get in on the touchdown game again for Kenny Dillingham.
