ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game
Later tonight Oregon will take on a pesky air attack of Arizona in the desert. The Cats will no doubt be up for the Ducks with a sold-out crowd and like everyone else, unloading the play book to have a shot.
Oregon will get their best shot and it will be a big test for the defense. This will be the best air attack they’ll face this year outside of Georgia.
So who steps up tonight? Here are our picks for the game.
Jarrid Denney: Christian Gonzalez
Over the past few weeks, Christian Gonzalez has been playing at an extremely high level. Oregon will need him to continue doing so on Saturday against a stacked group of Arizona receivers.
Gonzalez could spend much of the evening matchup up with Wildcats star Jacob Cowing. He’ll get some snaps against Tetairoa Mcmillan, too. His versatility will be tested, but I believe he’ll have another standout performance and help keep Arizona’s receivers in check.
Joel Gunderson: Christian Gonzalez
I feel like at this point in the season, going any other route is futile. While other Oregon defenders have shown flashes here and there, no individual player has been as consistently good — and oftentimes great — as Gonzo.
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He gives the Ducks something they have not had since pre-injury Ifo: a shutdown corner who essentially removes the opponents best receiver. And that will be imperative this weekend. Gonzo will likely be stuck to Cowling like glue, and even if he just slows the UTEP transfer down, Oregon will take that in a heartbeat.
A pass rush would be nice, but if it doesn’t happen, relying on Gonzo is a great fallback option.
Jhop: Bennett Williams
Well Gonzo avoids the clean sweep today just barely. And FWIW, I love the pick. But I figured I’d better put another name in here for some variety.
That said I do like my pick. I think Zona will lean HEAVILY on the pass game. They’ll have to. Oregon does well stopping the run. I also think Zona will be smart and won’t throw at Gonzo much all night. it would be wise not to.
I do think there is going to be ample opportunity for B-Dub to come over the top with help. He’s been playing some really good football this season and tonight he should feast.
