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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Keys to the Game

On3 imageby: Justin Hopkins5 hours ago
Tosh Lupoi
Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi at the 2025 spring football game. (Photo by: Steven Chan/ScoopDuckOn3)

Our final roundtable for the week means we are only ONE DAY from Oregon football returning. It feels like it’s been forever since that crushing loss in Pasadena, but tomorrow we get to wipe that one away.

In this final roundtable we offer up our keys to the game. Of course Oregon faces Montana State so the predictions are a bit unique. They will get better as the season goes on.

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Max Torres: Stop the run on Defense, Get in a Rhythm on Offense

The keys are pretty simple to me. We know the Bobcats love to run, so if the Ducks can stop the run that could go a long way to shutting down the MSU offense. 

On offense, just keep it simple. Take what the defense gives you and get Dante and the offensive line in a rhythm. If they do that and take care of the ball, the Ducks shouldn’t have too many issues and they’ll avoid the scare of last year’s week 1. 

Brandon Gibson: Dominate the LOS

Line play wins the game. Both the offensive and defensive lines will get a decent test in week one, and their play will determine whether this looks more like Idaho of 2024 or a cakewalk. Montana State has a strong rushing game and well coached defense, so neither group can be anything less than full go. Both lines are replacing a number of spots, but are both loaded with talent and have worked hard to integrate the new transfers with the upcoming developed talent Saturday will set the base for what might come this season on the lines.

Ted Leroux: Win Up Front

When a team shows up to practice in “Run the Damn Ball” shirts, their identity is clear — and so is the defensive game plan. For Oregon, the task is straightforward – win up front and take away Montana State’s bread and butter. If the Ducks can leverage their superior size in the trenches to clog rushing lanes, they’ll smother the Bobcat ground game before it ever builds confidence, setting the tone for a comfortable win.

Corpatty: Getting in Sync

The Ducks’ success will hinge on chemistry. If Oregon settles in quickly and finds rhythm with its new playmakers, this could turn into a comfortable win. But if they struggle to gel, Montana State could hang around deep into the game.

Jhop: Play Clean, Stay Healthy

There is no world in which Oregon should lose this game. And I’m not hung up on the final score like many of you. I want to see this team play a clean game, few penalties, few missed tackles, no blown coverages. Clean. More importantly, get as many players as many reps as possible. That’s the value in this game. Do all of that and head back into the locker room healthy and I’ll consider the day a success.

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