ScoopDuck Roundtable: Predicting MVP's vs USC

It’s Friday which means we have our final roundtable of the week. And that means we are predicting which players will have big performances on Saturday.

No need to delay the picks any longer, let’s get right into it.

Brandon Gibson:

Offense – Dante Moore

After going 27 of 30 and setting a new Oregon completion percentage record, it is impossible to pick against Dante Moore. He will once again be the difference maker in this game. I expect great production from the trio of running backs, and they will be very important to his overall success. Will Stein seems to have finally figured out that Sadiq should be more involved and the offense should greatly benefit from his production.

Defense – Jadon Canady

Picking a player of the game on defense has been difficult this season because there is so much talent along the front and defensive backfield. I’m going out on a limb here and predicting that Jadon Canady steps up against his toughest opponent of the season, Makai Lemon, and does enough to limit his production. Limiting Lemon would be a victory in itself and could be the difference between a close game and a blowout.

Max Torres:

Offense – Kenyon Sadiq

Sadiq looks like he’s back to full health. He shook off any rust with a monster performance against Minnesota, catching all eight of his targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. It easily could’ve been two touchdowns. The Ducks could find themselves without Dakorien Moore and Gary Byrant Jr. again, and Sadiq is just too good to not be a bigger part of this offense, whether it’s as a blocker or as a pass catcher and playmaker.

Defense – Bear Alexander

This is a game that Oregon can win defensively by overwhelming and wearing down the USC offensive line. Lanning and Riley both started at Oregon and USC at the same time but took different approaches to building their rosters. Lanning emphasized building the trenches, and Alexander has become one of Tony Tuioti’s best pieces along the defensive line. He’s the hot hand on defense and you’re lying to yourself if you don’t think this game means a bit more for him.

Ted Leroux:

Offense – Jordon Davison

Oregon’s offensive line holds a clear advantage in the trenches, and the Ducks’ run game is as good as any in the country. Jordon Davison is Oregon’s most talented back, and while he’s already shown the ability to explode for big plays, this matchup has the potential to be his best performance yet. The Ducks come out and dare the Trojans to stop Agent Zero, but Davison proves to be too much, delivering the best game of his young Oregon career.

Defense – Bear Alexander

There’s a common rule when venturing into the wilderness — if you come across a bear, don’t agitate it. You have to imagine Bear Alexander has heard everything coming out of the USC side since his departure, and he’ll be more fired up than ever to face his former team. He’s already playing the best football of his career, but the added motivation — combined with a favorable matchup — could set the stage for the most dominant performance we’ve seen from this wild animal patrolling the middle of Oregon’s defensive line.  

Jhop:

Offense – Noah Whittington

I love all of Oregon’s running backs. I expect these guys to eat. But I’m going with Noah Whittington because this is his final home game. I expect he’ll have a little extra something to play for in front of the home crowd. We all expect Oregon to run the ball with success. This should be a key to the game for Oregon. I’m expecting a big game from Whittington on Saturday.

Defense – Bear Alexander

This was the pick. This is his revenge game after a slightly ugly divorce from USC. And Bear might be Oregon’s most improved player the past few weeks on either side of the ball. Oregon’s defensive front should feast on the USC offensive line. So it’s pick your poison, but I’m also riding with Bear.