ScoopDuck Predicts: Players of the Game

Later today the Ducks will take the field in San Diego for the final time this season. To date, bowl season has been pretty lackluster. But hopefully the Ducks and Heels can get things kick started.

This one has a lot of betting in favor of some big points. Which always make for a fun game, unless you are a defensive guy.

Since we are down to game day, here are the offensive and defensive players of the game predictions in one article.

Jarrid Denney:

Brandon Dorlus

It’s been a frustrating season for Brandon Dorlus. 

After an impressive sophomore campaign, 2022 was supposed to be his coming-out party. But injuries and a failure to consistently finish tackles have hurt his stat line. 

Dorlus and the rest of Oregon’s dinged-up players have finally had a chance to heal up over the past month. I wouldn’t be surprised if he looks refreshed, reenergized, and delivers a big performance against UNC. 

Troy Franklin

In order for Troy Franklin to reach 1,000 receiving yards on the season, he would need to tally 133 yards against North Carolina. 

I think Franklin will get there and become Oregon’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Dillon Mitchell in 2018. 

It’s been a true breakout season for Franklin. He’s become one of the more complete receivers in the Pac-12 and could emerge as an absolute superstar next year. Look for him to cap off 2022 with a big performance.

Travis Rooke-ley:

Bo Nix

 I know it feels like a cop out but it’s gotta be Bo. I think we see a generally healthy Nix, where he can utilize pocket movement and aspects of the QB run game. I think Nix will total close to 400 yards and 4 TDs and cement himself firmly in the 2023 Heisman early contenders race.

Jahlil Florence

Going out on a bit of a limb here, but given the passing offense that UNC brings, we’re going to need Florence and Dontae Manning to step up. I think Florence made some big strides during the season, and I think that culminates in a big game for him in front of family and friends in San Diego.

Joel Gunderson:

Bo Nix

It is never too early to kickstart the 2023 Heisman campaign. Nix should be close to 100% after his late-season injury, and he’s facing one of the worst defenses in the county. 

Nix isn’t coming back in 2023 to play it safe; he’s coming back to win a Heisman and a national championship. I expect any and all limitations from his injury to be gone and for Oregon to open the playbook. Who knows what the stats will look like, but that’s almost arbitrary. This game will have his fingerprints all over it, and Orefon should roll with their leader filly in charge.

Anthony Jones

$1,000 says I’m the only one to pick Jones, the late addition to Oregon’s 2022 class. But with DJ Johnson, Christian Gonazlez, and Noah Sewell out, Oregon needs someone to step up and make an impact.

Why not Jones?

He wasn’t a heralded recruit but saw more snaps as the season progressed. Plus, the Holiday Bowl presents the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skills for the staff entering the offseason. 

He could be the defensive MVP or play just five snaps. Neither would surprise me. But knowing Lanning, he’s already looking ahead to 2023 and ready for someone to step up and show they’re ready to improve the Ducks’ defense.

Do your thing, young man. Make me look smart.

Jhop:

Bucky Irving

He gonna run, run and run some more. I think Irving might feel a bit slighted at not getting enough national love this season. He was good and the dynamic back Oregon had not really had. North Carolina is going to be challenged to come up and stop the run. Since it was a long break, I would expect Oregon to try and shake off the rust getting the run game started early. Irving tops 150 total yards and finds the endzone at least twice in this one.

Bennett Williams

He’s my guy. He had a poor showing and rebounded in grand fashion the next week. With North Carolina taking to the air, this will give Williams a chance at some picks. I think we’ll see him flying around making plays trying to set the tone for next season.