ScoopDuck Predictions: Offensive Player of the Game

Heading into the weekend we continue our series of predictions. Next up is who will emerge on the offense. The Ducks will have to put up points in order to win this game. We all know that.

BYU is going to be tough to contain. They’ll put some points on the board. It will be important for Kenny Dillingham to outscore BYU.

So who will emerge on offense? What matchup can the Ducks exploit?

Here are our predictions.

Corpatty: Oregon Offensive Line

Oregon’s offensive line has been its best position group through two games.  I expect more of the same on Saturday.   I look for the Oregon offensive line to win the line of scrimmage, open up gaping running lanes and give Bo Nix plenty of time to throw.  I don’t think Steven Jones’ absence will hurt their performance if he’s unable to play on Saturday.   Look for another strong offensive line performance for Oregon.

Jarrid Denney: Troy Franklin

Last week against Eastern Washington, Troy Franklin played his best game as an Oregon Duck. The sophomore was targeted by Bo Nix 10 times and hauled in 10 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. It was arguably the best performance by an Oregon receiver in years — not just because of the statistical output, but because of how Franklin racked up his yards. 

According to Pro Football Focus, all 10 of Franklin’s catches came on medium and short routes, and seven of his catches were made over the middle. He’s always been a deep threat, but in Week 2, Franklin displayed a really well-rounded game and worked his way open time and time again. He and Nix have developed a really strong connection early in the season, and I think they will continue to build on it against BYU. 

Joel Gunderson: Oregon’s entire Offensive Line

It’s simple: If Oregon wants to win this game, they will need to score at least 35 points. BYU’s offense is explosive, and while Oregon’s defense improved a bunch last week, we need to see it against a good opponent to know what they are. BYU is that, and their offense will score.

Oregon’s offense looked good against EWU, and they’ll need to be even better on Saturday. BYU thrives with their big, BIG linebackers causing havoc, and it will take all five of Oregon’s offensive linemen to be in lockstep. The run game must be efficient. But almost as important, Oregon needs “Good Bo” to show up; giving him time in the pocket is the best way to have that. When his feet are set, he’s terrific. When he’s jumpy, he loves to throw to the other team.

If Oregon’s offensive line opens room for the backs, gives Bo time, and keeps BYU’s linebackers from blowing through, Oregon should notch a significant win.

Dominiqk Peterson: Terrance Ferguson 

The offense has really impressed me over the last two weeks. The Ducks move the ball at a historic rate setting a program record of 40 first downs in week 2. The Ducks had 21 first downs against a scary Georgia defense, where the bulldogs only allowed only 9 first downs a game the previous year (2021). So far what’s that telling me: Oregon can move the ball and use their skill players to get in space. 

A big part of the offense this year has been the use of the Tight Ends and I expect Oregon to use them heavily against BYU’s elite defense. Terrance Ferguson was really impressive last week and has quietly been really consistent. Give me Terrance Ferguson as my predicted offense of player the game for week 3.

Jhop: Noah Whittington

I talked about my surprise storyline on Wednesday being the Ducks rushing attack a key to the win. I think the Ducks are going to have to “ground and pound” BYU into submission if you will.

I’m confident the Ducks will use its stable of backs. But at some point, in a contest like this, I could see them rolling with the hot hand a little more than they’ve been doing.

I think the breakthrough speed of Whittington will be a game-changer. All he needs is a sliver and he’s gone. I think Oregon will count on that this week as they look to attack BYU in the run game.