ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storyline vs PSU
Next up in our weekly roundtable series is our picks for the surprise storyline. This will be our attempt at a game storyline nobody really expects.
With Oregon playing Portland State this weekend, it makes it a bit tougher. But the good news is that just gets us warmed up for the rest of the season. Without further delay, here are the predictions.
Jarrid Denney:
Oregon’s first-unit defensive backs will play more than most people expect them to on Saturday. With so many new faces in the secondary, Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi will look to get their ones as many game reps as possible for a big Week 2 matchup with Texas Tech in order to build chemistry and cohesion. While Brandon Dorlus, Jordan Burch, and some of the big names along the front seven will likely exit the game early, don’t be surprised if Khyree Jackson, Evan Williams, and a few of the defensive backs stay on the field a bit longer.
Joel Gunderson:
The perfect time to unleash my boldest prediction for the entire season, let alone the opening game. Traeshon Holden arrives in Eugene for what is likely Troy Franklin’s swan song before the NFL, and I think the Alabama transfer is ready to break out.
Although neither should play more than two quarters against Portland State, look for Holden to open some eyes on a sunny Saturday in Autzen, setting the tone for his breakout season that could see him become Bo Nix’s go-to target.
Doug Scott:
A couple of the OL players who have previously been reported out of practices suit up and start the game for Oregon, and the IOL sees heavy rotation in the first half before the entire group gives way to the younger guys for the 2nd half.
Corpatty:
While Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington will be Oregon’s 1-2 punch in the backfield this year, in this game James will steal the spotlight. Look for Oregon to jump out to a big lead and Oregon to rest most of its starters after halftime. In the second half I think James will be Oregon’s workhorse and end up leading the Ducks in rushing yards in the opener.
Jhop:
Oregon scores 3 sacks on the day. Granted it’s Portland State, I think Oregon will want to show it can get after the quarterback in a revamped defensive unit. I expect the starters to really only get a half in on Saturday but I think they will want to make it count. I expect this will be a much-needed sight for Oregon fans and the Oregon coaching staff.
