ScoopDuck Predictions: Surprise Storylines vs BYU
It’s Wednesday so it’s time to talk about the upcoming game once again. Oh wait, we’ve been doing that all week already.
This roundtable is one of my favorites. It’s a surprise storyline that will come from the game. It can be a player, a narrative, really just about anything.
Here are this weeks bold claims on that front from the ScoopDuck team of experts.
Jarrid Denney: Oregon Outclasses BYU
Oregon will look like the better of the two teams
Maybe this wouldn’t come as a surprise to the most optimistic Duck fans. But there are plenty who believe that BYU will enter Saturday’s matchup as the more complete football team.
I saw enough from Oregon in Week 2 to believe the Ducks will outplay the Cougars on both sides of the ball. The defense made strides. The offensive line has been outstanding, and Bo Nix kept it simple against EWU while consistently putting the ball in the hands of his playmakers. If those trends continue, Oregon will be just fine on Saturday.
Joel Gunderson: Statement Win vs BYU
There are still so many unknowns about this Oregon team. A deflating season-opening loss on the road, followed by a FCS-trouncing, doesn’t give us much to work off.
Now a top-12 team comes into autzen looking to add to their resume, while at the same time detailing Oregon’s season even further.
Much like 2009.
In that season Oregon had a first year head coach, looked horrendous in their opening game loss at Boise State, beat a then-group of 5 Utah, then welcomed in a top-10 Cal bears team. Oregon’s offense was shaky and their defense was unknown.
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They beat Cal 42-3.
They won’t beat BYU by that score, but I expect the same feeling Saturday night. Oregon gets a big, big win that eases concerns of a first year head coach and sets the team up for a fun and successful year.
Corpatty: Bo Nix throws multiple interceptions
While Bo Nix tossed 5 TDs and no interceptions against Eastern Washington, he flirted with danger several times. Nix has a tendency to lock on to and stare down one receiver and often forces it to his predetermined receiver regardless of the coverage. For whatever reason, Nix really hasn’t really learned the art of looking off defenders. I think this continues against a good BYU defense. The result will be multiple interceptions for Nix.
Jhop: Oregon Rushes for Over 300 Yards
We’ve seen a lot of the passing game the first two weeks. And just enough of the running game. In an effort to slow down the BYU offense, or keep them off the field, I think we’ll see Oregon lean heavily on the run. And why wouldn’t they?
Oregon has a stable of backs all capable of big plays. The offensive line has been consistently getting a good push up front. I think this is a game Dan Lanning and Kenny Dillingham lean heavily on the run game to control the pace of the game and wear down BYU.
