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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storyline vs Montana State

On3 imageby: Justin Hopkins08/26/25
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© Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome Duck fans to our first in-season roundtable. Of course the games will get a little more exciting once we enter conference play but that just gives us time to round into form with our roundtable takes.

We start the week with our surprise storyline for this weekend. One of my favorite roundtables every week.

You guys are used to Max, Corpatty and myself being included in these, but we’ve also added Brandon Gibson and Ted Leroux to the roundtable. Which gives you a wide array of takes each week.

Without further gilding the lily, and with no more ado, I present to you our first roundtable.

Max Torres: Oregon forces multiple fumbles

I know this Montana State offense loves to run the ball. The Ducks did a good job defending the run last year, and while this is a new defensive line under Tony Tuioti, I’m very high on this group heading into the season. I think we’ll see the Oregon defense jar the ball loose a few times on Saturday. Whether it’s someone like Matayo Uiagalelei, Blake Purchase, A’Mauri Washington or Bryce Boettcher, the playmakers will step up and the defense will be disruptive.

Corpatty: New Oregon Wide Receivers Step Up

With Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden, and TFerg gone — plus Evan Stewart sidelined with injury — Oregon will be relying on new and inexperienced wideouts. I expect them to answer the call in Week 1, with receivers hauling in three touchdowns in the opener.

Brandon Gibson: Oregon Stops Rushing Attack

Oregon’s defense shuts down the vaunted Montana State rushing attack. The Bobcats have one of the best rushing games in the FCS and had three players, two running backs and the quarterback, each reach the thousand yard mark in the 2024 season. Despite some departures, running is Montana State’s identity and Saturday will be the day that Oregon’s talented and fast defense will hold that running game largely in check. In 2024, Oregon’s defense held opponents to 130 yards rushing a game, good for 38th in the nation. This new edition will be afforded an opportunity against a strong ground game to show whether the Ducks are ready to improve on those numbers in 2025. 

Ted Leroux: Purchase Shines in Opener

I’ve been high on Blake Purchase coming into this season, and after Saturday’s game, it wouldn’t be surprising if he starts to make a case for more playing time — perhaps even pushing starting JACK linebacker Teitum Tuioti for his spot down the road. Defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi even noted last week that Purchase was “truly competing to start for us,” underscoring just how quickly the young linebacker is rising.

Jhop: Oregon Runs for Over 300 Yards

I think we’ve talked a bit about Oregon’s rushing attack through this Fall camp. My bet is Oregon will lean on the run game heavy in week one as it’s going to be one of the safest and easiest ways to get through game one with minimal film to offer to upcoming opponents. I really won’t consider it a “flex”, if you will, given it’s Montana State. But I do think it sets the tone for this season on how effective Oregon will be rushing the football. FWIW, we’ll see several backs get some run in this one.

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