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ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•10/21/22
On3 image
(Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

We are less than 24 hours from kickoff. Which means this is our final roundtable for the week. The Ducks and Bruins will be up and at ’em in Eugene Saturday afternoon for a chance at Pac-12 supremacy.

This game will have a ton of storylines to follow. But all eyes will be on both offenses. Which means Oregon’s defense will need to step up and slow down this Bruin attack.

So who steps up tomorrow? Here are our picks.

Joel Gunderson: Jordon Riley

Oregon’s defensive improvements over the past few weeks are primarily due to the sum being better than the parts. No player (outside Christina Gonzalez) has stood out as a clear-cut, no-doubt stud. But to a man, every player on defense seems to be figuring it all out, from the system to the checks and adjustments and how to play together.

One guy, though, has flown too far under the radar, and that’s Jordon Riley. I don’t expect that to be the case after Saturday.

Riley’s play has been outstanding for the past three weeks. His ability to control his space — and that’s ample space — will be essential to Oregon slowing down UCLA’s offense, whether it’s in the run or pass game. If Riley has a game where he is trouble for the Bruins’ offensive line, that opens up another set of options for Oregon’s linebackers to make plays.

Jarrid Denney: Bennett Williams

Over the past few games, Bennett Williams has arguably been Oregon’s best defensive player. I think he’ll continue that trend on Saturday and deliver a game-defining moment.

Williams has generated turnovers in each of the past two games and it wouldn’t surprising if he creates some havoc once again against the Bruins.

Corpatty: Noah Sewell

Look I know Noah Sewell hasn’t yet had the kind of final season many Duck fans envisioned for him.   That changes on Saturday.  Sewell is going to be the key to containing UCLA’s physical star RB Zach Charbonnet.   He will also be used to spy on DTR to limit him from making big plays with his legs when things break down in the passing game.  I think Sewell is going to excel on the biggest stage and expect him to notch 10+ tackles while making multiple “wow” plays.

Travis Rooke-ley: Christian Gonzalez

I am going to assume that Gonzalez hears the noise about Jake Bobo, and also assume our defensive staff feels good about his ability to shut him down. I think we see Gonzalez shadow Bobo for the most part, and predict he will largely neutralize DTR’s favorite target. We know Chip can be a bit stubborn about establishing the run in big games, therefore being able to play one-on-one outside will allow us to stack the box a bit to stop their rushing attack.

Jhop: Justin Flowe

I can’t believe I’m the only one to pick Flowe. I think he’s been getting better and better each week. He remains a bit of a liability in coverage but I expect we’ll see him all over the field and amped for this one.

I’m expecting a big showing from Flowe who will likely be ‘head hunting’ some Bruins on Saturday. Within the rules of course.

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