ScoopDuck Roundtable: Breakout Player of the Game vs Boise State
It feels like it could be a long week as Oregon fans hope to shake off the residue of the Idaho game. But Oregon might face an even better team in Boise State this weekend in Eugene.
Oregon will need to contain Boise’s star running back Ashton Jeanty and put up points of their own. The Ducks will need to lean on some of its star power in order to do this. We know the Ducks need Dillon Gabriel and Tez Johnson to win, but who else might break out?
Here are our predictions for the week against Boise State.
Collin King: Devon Jackson
The Ducks are up against an offense that last week put up 371 rushing yards, and was mostly ineffective against an inferior opponent outside of that. Of the 371 yards, star RB Ashton Jeanty recorded 267 of them, not only that but Jeanty also recorded 6 rushing touchdowns. Oregon will need to be stout up front and that starts with the front seven. If Jestin Jacobs or Jeff Bassa are still hampered by injury, the nation’s fastest LB, Devon Jackson, could see himself thrust into the spotlight. I anticipate that one of the fastest players in the country will have a big impact on this game.
Linden Hile: Devon Jackson
In a game where Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty figures to be tho focal point of the Broncos’ offense, Oregon’s linebackers will be tested early and often.
I think Devon Jackson will make his presence felt with a few solo tackles on the perimeter with one for loss potentially mixed in for good measure.
Fans have been waiting to see Jackson put his incredible physical skillset to use in a big spot and I think he gets it done this weekend.
Max Torres: Evan Stewart
We didn’t hear much from the Texas A&M transfer in the season opener against Idaho. He caught three passes for only 15 yards. I think Dillon Gabriel wants to push the ball down the field against the Broncos and Stewart should be someone he goes to often in week 2. He’s an explosive talent and we’ll see some highlights from No. 7 against Boise State.
Jhop: Jordan James
So far I think the other picks are good. But I’m going with James. I think the offensive line and the running backs will have an extra chip on their shoulders this week after a dismal week one performance on the ground. While the carries were evenly split between James and Whittington last week, I think James will take advantage of a weak Boise State defense. The run game is so critical to the pass game getting going, hopefully this is the case.
