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ScoopDuck Predicts: Surprise Storyline vs North Carolina

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•12/27/22
On3 image
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Well in just over 24 hours you’ll get to watch your Oregon Ducks one last time in 2022. As the team prepares for a talented North Carolina squad in San Diego.

The ScoopDuck staff has put together its final surprise storyline prediction for this season. Bowl games have become a mixed bag so this one could be interesting to watch.

Here are the predictions for this game you might not be expecting.

Joel Gunderson: 2022 signees make a significant impact 

It’s the perfect recipe — and opportunity — for many of Oregon’s true freshmen to see an extended run. With the NCAA waiving the four-game redshirt rule for bowl games, the Ducks have a whole cupboard of players from the 2022 class ready to showcase their skills.

The Holiday Bowl is the perfect game for guys who need to play a significant role in 2023. Devon Jackson, Harrison Taggart, Ben Roberts, Anthony Jones, and Jahlil Florence are obvious candidates. With Oregon’s defense needing a complete overhaul entering next season — and a 2023 class that will arrive full of promise — it’s time for the freshmen to step up and solidify their roles.

Travis Rooke-ley: Ducks Play Hard

 I think the Ducks care, even though many fans have decided the Holiday Bowl is below them. Certainly a tough blow to go from Playoff aspirations to this, but I think Lanning will rally the troops and convince them that a big performance against a ranked opponent can set a good tone heading into the off-season. Bowl games are always tough to forecast, but I think we see the Ducks compete like this one matters.

Jarrid Denney: Oregon’s defense will look competent

One of the major concerns for the Ducks heading into the Holiday Bowl is the recent flurry of departures and opt-outs on the defensive side of the ball. 

Christian Gonzalez, DJ Johnson, and Noah Sewell have all opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Justin Flowe and Jackson LaDuke are among the transfer portal departures.

As a result, Oregon is short on proven depth at a number of positions. But the Ducks have plenty of talent across the two-deep. Keith Brown, Jahlil Florence, Anthony Jones, and a few others will have opportunities to step up. 

There are enough quality players left on the roster for the Oregon defense to hold its own against UNC. 

Jhop: Ducks Put on a Show

I believe Dan Lanning and Bo Nix have one goal in mind for this bowl game. To set the stage for the 2023 season. Bo Nix didn’t come back to be an average team. Dan Lanning won’t let this team take the day off. I think Oregon is coming into this game with an expectation they want to show the country they are a team to fear in 2023. The defense will be much improved. The offense will look like it did pre Bo Nix injury. I think North Carolina is in for a long Wednesday night.

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