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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Keys to the Game vs Indiana

On3 imageby: Justin Hopkins15 hours ago
Oregon Duck
The Oregon Duck performs the traditional post-touchdown pushups at Autzen Stadium as the crowd erupts in celebration. The University of Oregon Ducks football team beat the Oregon State Beavers 41-7 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025. Credit: Max Unkrich / maxunkrichphoto.com

It’s Friday which means we are ready for our final roundtable of the week. As usual we all predict our keys to the game for an Oregon victory.

I know we are winding down to game time and fans from each team are getting antsy for this one to kick off already. We are just under 24 hours away as I post this.

Let’s take a look at the keys.

Max Torres: Get off the field on third down

Indiana is converting 58.3% of their third downs and there were too way many moments when Penn State was able to move the chains against the Ducks, particularly on third and long. Fernando Mendoza isn’t the fastest runner, but he’s someone the defense will need to account for on the ground as well. Oregon can’t give Indiana extra plays or sets of downs when they have a chance to get off the field. 

Corpatty: Contain Sarratt

Elijah Sarratt is by far Mendoza’s favorite target, topping 90 yards receiving in 3 of Indiana’s 5 games.  He’s also scored 6 TDs.  Oregon will need to limit Sarratt’s game breaking plays to contain the Indiana offense.

Ted Leroux: Win up Front

Indiana operates a highly effective timing-based offense built around the RPO. If Oregon follows the blueprint Iowa laid out two weeks ago, they’ll be in a strong position. Controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting the run game, and speeding up Fernando Mendoza’s internal clock are all critical factors. If the Ducks can consistently win up front, it will ease the burden on Ify Obidegwu and Brandon Finney in coverage—setting the stage for a big day defensively for Oregon.  

Brandon Gibson: Play Oregon Football

Oregon needs to come out and play Oregon football. Winning this game at the line will be important, as Oregon needs to get pressure on Mendoza and the offensive line is going to have to protect Moore from a solid defensive group. Taking care of the ball will always be key and doing so will make sure that Indiana doesn’t hang around. On the offensive side, the Ducks need to make sure they get their run game going and keep Indiana off balance by staying in good down and distance situations.

Jhop: Stop the Run

We can mention a dozen things on winning this game. Turnover battle, line of scrimmage, explosive plays. You name it. But to me it really boils down to Oregon stopping the run. If Oregon can score 24 points in this game, which I think they can, I think the defense can do enough to keep them under 24 by limiting the run game. I think Mendoza will have some problems running this offense in Eugene without the threat of the run. To me, stopping the run is key No. 1.



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