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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Defensive Player of the Game

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•09/23/23
Syndication: The Register Guard
Oregon defensive end Brandon Dorlus celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host Portland State in the Ducks’ season opener Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Ben Lonergan/The Register Guard

Wake up Duck fans, it’s GameDay. Oregon is ready to host coach Prime and his team for a highly anticipated Pac-12 conference opener.

Our final roundtable of the week talks about which defensive players could step up on Saturday. Unlike the offensive predictions, we have a lot of names on this list and no duplicates. So be sure to check them out.

Jarrid Denney: Brandon Dorlus

If the Ducks beat Colorado as decisively as we all expect them to, it will be because they found a way to shut down Shedeur Sanders. There is no player on Oregon’s defense more capable of consistently disrupting Sanders and the Buffs’ passing attack than Brandon Dorlus. Look for the star senior to produce some timely pressures early in the game.

Joel Gunderson: Jahlil Florence

This one will be subjective after the game since I don’t see many eye-popping stats for Florence. I don’t think the Buffaloes will challenge him very often, which is a testament to how good he’s looked this season.

Travis Hunter is out, but Colorado still has skill players that can hurt Oregon; with Florence’s emergence, though, it doesn’t matter much. Between him, Khyree Jackson, and the emergence of Tysheem Johnson, Oregon’s secondary has improved by leaps and bounds since last season, and this is the first real chance for Florence to show just how good he is.

Doug Scott: Tysheem Johnson

Colorado loves to get the ball out quick, both out of necessity due to their porous offensive line, and by design to get the ball to their playmakers. Much like last week, Tysheem will find himself in situations where he needs to make an immediate tackle in space for a short game. And much like last week, Johnson will be up to the challenge.

Jhop: Evan Williams

I like that we are all over the board with this roundtable. Unlike the offensive side. I’m going with Williams here. He’s the center-fielder in the defense and I think we see Colorado forced to chucking the ball to play catch up. Give me Williams with an improved pass-rush having a chance at some big plays on Saturday.

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