ScoopDuck Predictions: Offensive Player of the Game
As we approach Saturday’s kickoff, it’s time for another roundtable of predictions. Today we offer up our picks for the offensive player of the game.
Jarrid, Joel and myself have three different picks and after review, all three make a lot of sense. Below are the three names with a small reason for our picks.
On Friday we will have a defensive player of the game pick as well.
Jarrid Denney: Anthony Brown
This may sound like I’m taking the easy way out, but I believe senior quarterback Anthony Brown will have a stellar performance Saturday. He’s had a great camp and has complete and total command of the offense.
When Oregon’s players talk about Brown, there is a confidence to the way they speak. He’s absolutely “the guy” in Oregon’s locker room, and I think his play will reflect that this season.
Look for Brown to spread the ball around to Oregon’s deep arsenal of skill position guys and exploit advantageous matchups all afternoon Saturday. The biggest question that may be answered against Fresno State is just how effective Brown can be running the ball in Joe Moorhead’s offense.
Joel Gunderson: Troy Franklin
I’m going to hop on the train early and say, Troy Franklin. While I envision Oregon wanting to establish the run game and not show too much ahead of the Ohio State game, it would also make sense to target the youngster early and get his feet wet.
With the balance I expect, it won’t take a lot to win this award, so Franklin’s stats won’t be massive, but something along the lines of four catches for 80 yards and a TD will be enough.
Jhop: Travis Dye
It continues to blow my mind the disrespect Travis Dye receives by the Oregon fanbase. I know last season was cut short, unusual, hard to get behind. But Dye put up some ridiculous video-game numbers in the shortened season.
He’s a huge play waiting to happen in this offense. Sure, I don’t love the fumbles either but I do love the 60+ yard touchdown wheel routes.
Dye will post over 200 yards of total offense Saturday leading all players. Hopefully with gloves.
