ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game

The Oregon defense might have a tough task on Saturday. Most of us, including myself, are taking Stanford a little lighter than usual. But hopefully the team is doing no such thing.

The defense will need to create pressure and hopefully some turnovers. It’s going to be a tall order but here are our players we think might have the biggest impact on the game defensively.

Joel Gunderson: Bryan Addison

I can’t watch another game where our coaches stand on the sideline, dumbfounded, as Stanford plays a game of 500 by just putting taller people against much shorter people and throwing the ball high in the air.

Enter: Bryan Addison, who has quietly put together his best season already, now that he’s finally where he belongs: Safety.

In a series where the weirdest things happen in games they shouldn’t — and with an 8:10 pm kickoff, that’s a real possibility — Oregon must avoid the obvious and just put their tallest defender against their tallest receivers. 

It’s not rocket science, it’s just regular science.

Travis Rooke-ley: Brandon Dorlus

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I think this is the game we finally see the pass rush get home and register some sacks against an immobile QB and very average OL. I think Dorlus will register at least one sack, and cause havoc from the first snap. If we can’t get home this game, I will truly start to worry.

Jarrid Denney: Christian Gonzalez

It’s unfortunate for Oregon that Christian Gonzalez wasn’t a Duck last season. He’s the exact type of player the program was lacking when Stanford utilized the size advantage its receivers held over Mykael Wright and DJ James. 

Standing 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, Gonzalez is athletic enough to hold his own against any receiver in the conference and will be up for the challenge against Stanford’s big, physical group of receivers. He’ll likely spend much of the day matched up with Cardinal standout Michael Wilson and could help shut down a Stanford passing attack that gave the Ducks a ton of issues last season. 

Corpatty: Bennett Williams

I’m back on the Bennett Williams train.  While he’s played well the first 4 games, he’s yet to intercept a pass.  That ends Saturday as Williams victimizes McKee not once but twice with one being the pick-6 variety.  In addition to his usual stout run support, Williams will take advantage of McKee’s carelessness with the football as McKee has thrown 4 INTs to date.

Jhop: Bradyn Swinson

With DJ Johnson sidelined for the first half, someone will have to step up. Stanford will need to push the ball downfield successfully in order to score. I don’t think they will find continued success in the run game. If Oregon can pin its ears back, they should be able to pressure Tanner McKee, who isn’t known for his mobility.

I think Stanford will do its best to try and limit Brandon Dorlus, to which I wish them luck. But if that is the game plan I think we could see Swinson having a field day. At least, let’s hope so.