ScoopDuck Predictions: Offensive Players of the Game
Well we offered the score predictions on Wednesday so now it’s time to look at the offense.
Who might have a big game Saturday night against Washington State? I’m glad you asked.
Below are the predictions from Jarrid, Joel and myself on who might be a breakout performer for the Ducks on offense.
Jarrid Denney: Anthony Brown
It’s hard to pick anybody besides Travis Dye these days. But I get the feeling Oregon is going to need to move the ball through the air effectively in order to win this one. I believe Brown will rise to the occasion and play one of his best games as a Duck in a matchup that could very well turn into a shootout.
Brown had a rough outing in terms of passing production in Seattle, but I wouldn’t put too much stock into his ugly state line. There aren’t many quarterbacks in the country who would have succeeded throwing the ball in those conditions.
In the UCLA, Cal, and Colorado matchups, Brown got better game-by-game and looked assured and steady leading the Ducks’ offense. I would expect him to return to form Saturday in Eugene.
Joel Gunderson: Offense: Alex Forsyth, Dawson Jaramillo, George Moore, Jackson Powers-Johnson
What we witnessed this past Saturday in Seattle was eye-opening, for the simplicity of it above all else. Although it didn’t go down this way, it’s easy to envision Oregon’s interior offensive linemen walking up to the line of scrimmage, yelling out the play to the hapless Husky defenders, pointing to where Travis Dye or Byron Cardwell were going to run, then doing executing it with ease. Going forward it might not be as easy, but the Ducks’ ability to run the ball, especially between the tackles, will be the difference between 12-1 with a playoff berth, and 10-3.
And it starts with these four men. Because as good as Dye has been, and as tantalizing as Cardwell is, they’re only as good as their line, and Oregon’s guards and center are front and center in that. Look for these four — welcoming back JPJ and losing Ryan Walk — to set the tone early and often against the Cougars. Not only is it Oregon’s most effective and efficient offense, but it might also be their best defense. Keeping the Cougars’ high-powered offense on the sidelines will go a long way in securing the win.
Jhop: Devon Williams
It’s time to unleash the beast. Devon Williams has had most of the best catches for Oregon this season. And I do think Wazzu will ‘sell out’ to stop the run against Oregon.
Which means if the Ducks can keep Anthony Brown protected, I think the passing game will be there. And Devon Williams should be the biggest beneficiary of that attack. He’s a mis-match for every corner out there and when he’s focused he’s as good as it gets.
Furthermore, Oregon will have a 5-Star receiver in the stands watching in Kevin Coleman Jr, I’m sure it would be nice to put on a bit of a show for him if the game allows for it.
