Five bold predictions for Oregon vs. Stony Brook

Oregon returns to Autzen Stadium this weekend for a showdown with FCS opponent Stony Brook. It’s still early, but the Ducks have already notched a season-defining win and overcame a litany of injuries to do so.

Now, after soaring all the way to No. 4 in the latest AP Poll, they are in total control of their own destiny. Run the table, and a spot in the College Football Playoff is likely in the cards.

For now, the Ducks are focused on the opponent in front of them. Here are five bold predictions for how the Ducks will perform against the Seawolves in Eugene.

Jay Butterfield will be the No. 2 quarterback

There’s a large sector of Oregon’s fanbase that will be quite unhappy if this is the case. True freshman Ty Thompson is one of the more heralded recruits in program history. It’s absolutely understandable that Duck fans want to see him play.

I believe that Thompson and Butterfield are probably neck-and-neck in the battle for the backup spot. When next season rolls around, I would count on Thompson winning the starting job. But logistically, it makes sense to redshirt Thompson this season and give Butterfield a reason to believe he has a future in Eugene. Also, he’s just a good player who is more than capable of succeeding in the Pac-12 if he ever gets the chance to do so.

Seven McGee will lead Oregon in rushing yards

I whiffed on my first McGee-related prediction this season. The true freshman running back had a sensational camp, but has yet to touch the ball for the Ducks this season. That’s going to change Saturday.

The only question is will McGee, Trey Benson or Byron Cardwell get the lions share of the carries once Oregon pulls its starters? For my money, McGee is the best bet. Joe Moorhead did such a good job of getting CJ Verdell open in space last week. If McGee is deployed in a similar fashion, against a less-talented opponent, I believe he will have a huge day.

Kingsley Suamataia will shine

Many thought that Suamataia might win a starting job during camp. The former 4-star recruits is one of the 20 best signees in program history, and appeared to be ready-made for the college game when he arrived in Eugene. But he hasn’t seen the field yet this season and seems to have fallen behind Dawson Jaramillo on the depth chart.

Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabel have a gem on their hands in Suamataia, and it’s likely they are simply giving him time to get up to speed at the college level. Suamataia is going to finally see the field Saturday, and he is going to excel.

One of Oregon’s freshman corners will have an interception

I’m doubling down on a prediction from Week 1. Oregon is going the rotate through Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning, Avante Dickerson and Jaylin Davies at corner on Saturday. That’s 17 stars worth of recruiting talent, all of whom are listed as freshman in terms of eligibility.

Oregon cornerbacks coach Rod Chance wants his players to fly to the ball and play with aggression. All four of those players will do just that Saturday and one of them is going to generate a takeaway in the process.

Stony Brook will score on its first drive

I don’t think the Oregon defense will have much trouble with the Seawolves Saturday; I predicted the Ducks will hold them to 10 points. But this is their super bowl. Stony Brook is going to be amped up, and it’s going to come out swinging against the Ducks.

I could see Oregon looking a bit hungover after such a thrilling Week 2 win. Any issues the Ducks have early on will be sorted out quickly, and they will also deploy a plethora of young players throughout the game who will be fired up to play. But don’t be surprised if the Seawolves put some points on the board with their first possession.