Skip to main content
oregon logo

ScoopDuck Game Balls vs Hawaii

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•09/18/23
Syndication: The Register Guard
Oregon running back Noah Whittington is hoisted into the air after a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host Hawaii Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

There was a lot to like in Oregon’s victory over Hawaii on Saturday. Which means several players had big performances on the way to victory for Oregon.

As we’ve done for the past two weeks so far, we offer up our gameballs. Below are the picks from several of our contributors on ScoopDuck.

Joel Gunderson: Tosh Lupoi, Demetrice Martin, Chris Hampton

Taking the easy way out here, but these three deserve a ton of credit for completely shutting down Hawaii’s attack. 

Considering the offense they run, and coming off a less-than-stellar performance against Texas Tech, to me this was the best game Lupoi has called since he arrived at Oregon. The Ducks FLEW to the ball every time there was a play to be made, and wrapped up better than we’ve seen. 

Oregon’s entire secondary looked superb, not allowing a pass over 15 yards against one of the most prolific passing teams in the nation. 

Overall a masterful performance. 

Jarrid Denney: Traeshon Holden

I’m sure a few others will choose Tez Johnson here, and understandably so. But Saturday was a big day for Traeshon Holden, who grabbed a pair of touchdowns — including a 60-yarder from Ty Thompson.

Holden hasn’t played a huge role this season, but the Ducks are going to need his physicality in the passing game once conference play roles around.

Doug Scott: Johnson & Johnson

Tez Johnson: 4-77-2 TDs in the passing game and another 48 yards on punt return, most of that while fielding tough line drive bouncers and preventing them from rolling for an extra 20 yards each. Tez, Gary, and Traeshon emerging as legit threats in the passing game along with Troy are going to make this offense even tougher to stop

Tysheem Johnson: Dude was all over the field, and his tackling was on point throughout the day, giving up nothing after the short throws made at his man while leading the team in tackles overall.

Jhop: Noah Whittington

Deciding to zag here a bit. Look, Oregon’s run game has been a bit perplexing so far. But you can’t deny what happens when Whittington gets a crease. He only rushed 5 times, but it was enough for 80 yards, averaging 16 yards per carry and the tuggy. Not jaw-dropping numbers but the simple fact is this. Sometimes you just need a big play, a spark, a huge run. We’ve heard coaches talk a lot about ‘explosive plays.’ And while every carry isn’t explosive for Whittington, it seems like every 2nd or 3rd carry is. The Ducks are going to need that at some point this season, or several points. (Khyree Jackson was my 2nd choice)

You may also like