ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game
We move to the defensive side of the ball now in our week of predictions. The Ducks have some confidence to win back after their dismal week one performance against Georgia.
There should be ample opportunities for some key defenders to step up on Saturday in Eugene. But who might that be?
We have our predictions on who will rise to the top for Oregon.
Jarrid Denney: Jamal Hill
Throughout the preseason, Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi spoke time and time again about wanting to see the Ducks create havoc plays in 2022. They failed to do that against Georgia and will be looking to create some disruption against EWU on Saturday. Few players on Oregon’s roster have a better track record for doing that than Jamal Hill.
In Week 1, Hill had a few shaky moments. But he was one of the few Oregon players who received a decent grade from PFF, and he led the Ducks in tackles against the Bulldogs. I’m looking for him to provide a spark early and help get the defense back on track.
Corpatty: Bennett Williams
Eastern Washington’s Gunner Talkington threw for 348 yards in their opener. I expect a similar air it out approach Saturday at Autzen. So the Oregon DBs are going to need to step up and play much better than they did against Georgia. And I think Bennett Williams will lead that effort and will pull down at least 1 interception, while being stout against the run.
Joel Gunderson: Bennett Williams
One of the few positives from last Saturday’s loss defensively was Bennett Williams, who looked in mid-season form. This one is pretty self-explanatory: Eastern Washington will throw the ball a ton, and Williams proved to be quite the ball hawk last season before being lost to injury.
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Quite frankly, with Oregon’s linebackers’ struggles in coverage, it’s imperative that their secondary make plays this season, which starts with a good test this week. EWU is the perfect challenge after Georgia: It is not necessarily good enough to be a serious threat in terms of victory, but they provide plenty of opportunities for the defense to bounce back due to their attacking style.
Look for Williams to lead that charge.
Travis Rooke-ley: Bennett Williams
I think Bennett will play a big role in slowing down EWU’s powerful passing game. I went back and forth between Williams and Christian Gonzalez, and could see either with multiple INT’s. EWU will air it out early and often, and assuming they go away from Gonzalez, I predict we’ll see Bennett make some plays over the middle throughout.
Jhop: Brandon Dorlus
I get the benefit of seeing everyone else’s picks on this one so I’m going to ‘zag.’ I do like the Bennett Williams picks. But I figured I’d switch it up.
I’m going with Dorlus. I do agree EWU will throw the ball which allows the DB’s to make plays. Conversely however, the defensive line should also have chances to make plays with pressure. I think Dorlus was quiet in week one and will want to make up for it in week two. He’s going to be a constant in the EWU backfield and should have a chance at some defensive impact plays.
