ScoopDuck Predictions: Defensive Player of the Game

Happy Friday all. We are back with our final prediction roundtable for the week. It’s going to be a big week for the defense with a talented BYU offense coming to town.

You should know the drill by now. Our team of analysts offer up our prediction on who will step it up on the defensive side of the ball for Oregon. And here they are for you.

Joel Gunderson: Justin Flowe

This might look like a bad pick on the first look (and I’ll eat crow if it is), but for as average-to-poor as Justin Flowe (and Noah Sewell) have looked this season, it’s important to remember two things:

One, last Saturday was Flowe’s third full game EVER in college. And two, his energy and insanity will be just what Oregon needs this week.

His breakout game last season against Fresno State showed what Flowe could be, but missing the rest of the season, plus a scheme, set him back. But he cares too much to not look at every snap as an opportunity to improve, and I think as he stacks reps he’s going to round into form. And tomorrow, let’s face it: Autzen needs to be electric. I mean, UW-2018 electric. BYU wants nothing more than to come in and win; Oregon needs a statement win to set the Lanning era on fire. 

To get that, Autzen needs to send the Cougars into a tailspin. Make that place a viper pit of noise and emotion. And who better to do that than Mr. Flowe?

Look for him to break through the line on a big third down, get a free shot at Hall for his first big sack, and blow the (figurative) roof off of Autzen.

LETS. F******. GO.

Jarrid Denney: Bradon Dorlus

Oregon’s star defensive end has gotten off to a slow start this season, statistically speaking. But after frequently being referred to as “the alpha” of Oregon’s defense throughout fall camp, Brandon Dorlus will be exactly that for the Ducks in Week 3. 

Although Dorlus has just three tackles and no sacks through two games, he has still been a solid pass-rusher in 2022 and has had the difficult task of facing two offenses that made it a priority to get the ball out quickly. Against BYU, look for him to deliver a handful of momentum-swinging plays. 

Corpatty: Sewell and Flowe

Oregon’s talented middle linebacker duo have had a rather pedestrian first couple of games.  That changes tomorrow.  Facing the most athletic QB Oregon has faced this season and a strong running game, Flowe and Sewell will be making plays from sideline to sideline to contain Hall and his scrambling ability.  Last week the duo combined for 4 total tackles.  I expect that total to approach or exceed 15 this week against BYU.

Dominiqk Peterson: Christian Gonzalez 

The defense had major questions after the 49-3 loss to Georgia. They allowed touchdowns scored on the first 7  Bulldog drives and let Stetson Bennett sling it for 368 yards and 5 touchdowns in 3 quarters. In week 2 The Ducks showed major improvement by completely shutting down Eastern Washington‘s offense. The Eagles finished with only 187 yards of offense and were held to under 100 yards of offense at the half. 

Gonzalez was a projected first round prospect heading into this season and got his opportunity to showcase that early. Gonzalez got beat early a couple times in weak 1 but showed major strides to week 2 with a dominant performance over the Eagles. He came away with his first interception as a Duck and is looking forward to many more. 

In a game like this you’re going to need some veteran leadership to get you through all of the highs and lows in a very competitive game. Gonzalez has been really consistent and looks to be the leader of that secondary. BYU quarterback Jaren Hall is an experienced leader who has played in loud stadiums before. Gonzales will play a huge role in slowing that BYU pass game down. 

QB11: Jamal Hill

Against a QB with the athletic skillset Hall has, your safeties ability to track and leverage the ball is important. For Oregon to win Hill needs to tackle well in space.

Jhop: DJ Johnson

I’ve picked DJ once already, the Georgia game. But really nobody stood out in that game so it doesn’t count. I’m riding with the Predator once again. Everything I hear out of camp is he’s been the most consistent defensive lineman so far and has big play potential.

I think BYU will overlook him and focus on Dorlus and others leaving DJ Johnson to be a disruptive force in the backfield.