ScoopDuck Predictions: Surprise Storylines vs Oregon State

Every week we talk about what might be a surprise storyline from the upcoming game. Something not many fans are talking about at the mid-week point.
This week it’s a huge rivalry week and fans know what’s on the line. Perhaps this is a year the rivalry inches closer to being an actual rivalry again.
In any event, let’s take a look at what Jarrid, Joel and myself might be an emerging storyline from this one in Corvallis.
Jarrid Denney: Oregon’s defense shines for the second straight week
In last Saturday’s win over Utah, the Ducks’ defense played its best game of the season and showed some real signs of improvement.
I don’t expect them to take a step back on that side of this ball against the Beavers.
With Bo Nix and a few other key offensive players still potentially playing through injury, look for the defense to carry Oregon once again and produce a few takeaways.
Joel Gunderson: Lewis kicks his way into Oregon lore
If my score prediction yesterday didn’t fully give it away, I expect a big day from Oregon’s special teams.
Specifically, from Camden Lewis.
All signs point to Lewis returning next season for his final year. But he has a chance to cement his legacy this week, four years after his inauspicious start.
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Between Bo Nix playing at far less than 100%, and Oregon State’s defense, the Ducks’ offense figures to struggle. But I think they’ll be able to move the ball enough between the 20’s, giving Lewis plenty of opportunities to give his team 3 points.
Jhop: Oregon Pounds OSU
I think most are expecting this to be a tight game. You know Oregon State is going to come with the full arsenal and looking to play spoiler. They really have nothing to lose so why not.
Oregon meanwhile played one of the grittiest games I can recall against Utah. And it was a tight win. But from that win I saw a defense that really turned the corner.
The offense was not its usual but we all know why. I do think Bo Nix will be better this week and we’ll see a bit more dynamic offense. Which leads me to believe Oregon will get rolling and pound OSU. I think Lanning will have these guys looking to make a statement to help cement their status in the Pac-12 championship game and possibly a Rose bowl berth.