Oregon opponent preview: Ohio State

As we inch closer to Saturday’s 9 a.m. Pacific kickoff on Fox, it’s time for one final deep dive into the match-up.

The game is by far Oregon’s biggest nonconference game in years, a chance for the Ducks to show something to the world. A win not only would set up a run at the playoffs, but it could have a lasting effect on recruiting and the national perspective of the program and the Pac-12.

Oregon playing Ohio State for a national audience isn’t anything new, and as we all know it hasn’t gone Oregon’s way – ever. A loss this weekend would be the Ducks’ 10th against the Buckeyes, against ZERO wins.

Ohio State had to rally to beat Minnesota in its opener, but Oregon was even shakier against Fresno State of the Mountain West.

Anthony Brown was 15 for 24 with 172 yards, with 1 touchdown passing and the game-winning scamper in the fourth quarter. He averaged 7.2 yards per pass attempt, which isn’t bad, but that number certainly will need to climb if Oregon wants to succeed on offense.

Oregon mustered just three plays that went for 20 or more yards, whereas Ohio State had four snaps go for more than 50 yards. Granted, Minnesota blew some coverages, but the Buckeyes have so much talent that they’re banking on those big plays being the difference – even when the offense is struggling to be consistent.

Another important factor in this game will be Oregon’s ability to run the ball.

It’s almost become a cliché, but the conventional wisdom is that Oregon struggles to run the ball effectively on early downs. If that happens in Columbus, Ohio State’s talented defensive front can pin its ears back and really attack the quarterback.

So what needs to change? Quite simply, Oregon’s blocking at the point of attack.

The Ducks’ offensive linemen didn’t impress anyone last week. They’ll have to make sure that when they do choose to run the ball, they’re staying on schedule and keeping the defense guessing about the next play.

Pass protection will be another big factor. The Buckeyes proved last week that while they lost some guys on the defensive line, they’re still one of the most talented front sevens in college football.

Oregon doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s folly to expect Brown to be untouched. But the protection has to be good enough for Brown to go through his reads before deciding if/when to throw or whether to tuck the ball and extend the play.

Brown’s legs are a weapon. Ohio State will do everything it can to keep him in check.

As for Ohio State’s offense: CJ Stroud was solid in the season opener, completing 13 of his 22 passes for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Stroud started slowly, but it didn’t really matter once all-American receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson took over.

Pass-catchers who provide so many yards after the catch make it so much easier on a young quarterback.

The Buckeyes also displayed a lethal running attack led by Miyan Williams, who had just 9 carries but managed 125 yards and 1 touchdown. And he’s not alone: Master Teague III, Marcus Crowley and TreVeyon Henderson can be lethal, as well.

Oregon fans who remember the fourth quarter of the 2015 national championship game know the drill. Ohio State will look to run all over Oregon, especially if players like Kayvon Thibodeaux aren’t able to suit up.

Defensively, Ohio State looked solid against Minnesota, but it did yield 31 points and 400+ yards. The Buckeyes are űber-talented, but they’re not perfect.

To sum it up: Losing a player of Justin Fields’ caliber has to hurt. But when you combine a dominant offensive line, a stable of capable runners and some of the best wideouts in football, it certainly eases the pressure on a freshman quarterback.

Stroud doesn’t need to be Fields. He just needs to distribute the football to his many playmakers and not make too many mistakes

It all adds up to Oregon’s biggest challenge in years, arguably since the Ducks last played Ohio State. And this is a true road game in one of the toughest places for visiting team to play.

It’s going to be a fun one in Columbus.