ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game
Welcome to the final installment of the week of our ScoopDuck roundtable series. We’ve covered some interesting storylines and made score predictions, but now its all about who stands out on defense.
Dan Lanning brings his defensive super minds back to Georgia to take on his former boss.
So who has a chance to make an impact on this game Saturday? Here are our predictions.
Corpatty: DJ Johnson
I think this game will be the National coming out party for DJ Johnson. I think he records multiple sacks and disrupts the Georgia offense much of the game. While KT is a special talent, I think this game will make Oregon fans feel better about being able to replace his production. Look for DJ to be a menace on defense tomorrow.
Joel Gunderson: DJ Johnson
I’m taking DJ simply because the most important this for Oregon’s defense will be if they can get to Stetson Bennett and make him uncomfortable. I don’t think Oregon will be able to stop the run too well, and with Georgia’s insane talent at tight end, there’s too much risk in blitzing the linebackers too frequently.
That means guys like Johnson, Mase Funa, Bradyn Swinson, and Brandon Dorlus must win 1-on-1 battles.
The last time we saw DJ, he made a mockery of the spring game. If he can often find himself in the Bulldogs’ backfield, Oregon has a shot to slow down Georgia’s offense and keep the game close.
Jarrid Denney: Justin Flowe
The last time we saw Justin Flowe on a football field was 363 days ago, when he delivered a performance for the ages in the Ducks’ win over Fresno State. On that day, he racked up 14 tackles, caused a forced fumble that helped Oregon swing the momentum of the game, and generally looked like a future All-American.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he delivered something similar on Saturday. His first two college seasons have been derailed by injuries, but Flowe is now fully healthy and will undoubtedly be fired up to play on the big stage after being sidelined for so long.
Travis Rooke-Ley: Bradyn Swinson
Although DJ Johnson has gotten many of the off-season headlines, I think Swinson will be the player who benefits most from Lanning’s defense early this season. I predict at least a sack for him Saturday, setting the stage for a big season against far worse PAC-12 OL’s. Stetson Bennett is a better athlete than he’s given credit for, but I think Swinson will be a thorn in his side all game.
Jhop: Christian Gonzalez
At this point, I think if you’re Oregon, you’re taking your chances against Georgia through the air versus on the ground. Which means if you sell out to stop the run, you’ll have some DB’s on islands.
Additionally, Gonzalez is bit of an unknown. Maybe not to Oregon fans, but beyond that, probably so. Perhaps Georgia will test him early on. I don’t advise it, but you never know.
If, if they do, I think he’ll have a few chances to make a couple big game-changing type plays for the Ducks.
