ScoopDuck Roundtable: Oregon MVP's vs Ohio State

It’s inching closer and closer. So close you can almost taste it. The Rose bowl is just hours away and we couldn’t be more excited.

But who will come up big for Oregon in this one? It’s going to take a team effort with some individual heroics mixed in. We predict who those individual standouts might be on offense and defense for the Ducks.

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Linden Hile:

Off MVP: Tez Johnson

While receiver Evan Stewart was the star of the show against Ohio State in the first go-around, I expect them to key in on him more as he hadn’t had a huge game until that point. With more emphasis on him, Tez Johnson should have room to operate against a Buckeyes’ secondary the Ducks have proven capable of exploiting.

There also has to be a motivation factor for any senior this late in the year knowing it could be his last game. I think Johnson shows up in a big way and leads the Ducks in receiving.

Def MVP: Jabbar Muhammad

Playoff experience has to matter and assuming that’s the case, Muhammad should be the Ducks’ most effective option in coverage. I don’t expect this to be a huge passing game for Ohio State and part of that is the rigidity of Oregon’s secondary this season.

It might not show up on the individual stat sheet but I think Muhammad will play a huge role in keeping the Buckeyes’ receiving threats in check.

Max Torres:

Off MVP: Dillon Gabriel

I don’t think this one is all that complicated. The Ducks needed Garbiel to be on his A game to win in October and he was. They’ll need that again in the Rose Bowl if they want to keep the season going. I’d like to see the staff use him a bit more on designed runs because he’s dangerous with his legs. But obviously that comes with risk. He’s got a great feel for the game because he’s been playing for a while and his experience should give the Ducks an edge.

Def MVP: Nikko Reed

Oregon’s toughest matchup will undoubtedly be against the Ohio State wide receivers. Reed has quietly been one of the best corners in the Big Ten this year and he grabbed the game-sealing interception against Penn State. I think he carries that momentum with him to Pasadena and is one of multiple defensive backs that steps up against the Buckeyes.

Collin King:

Off POTG: Jordan James

Finally some rest has allowed Jordan James to get a bit more healthy with only playing 2 games within the past 3-4 weeks. Jordan James was a difference maker the first time around against the Buckeyes and Ohio State showed they couldn’t stop the run against Michigan yet again. It will be interesting to see if the Ohio State defense falls back to earth after a stellar game last week.

Def POTG: Jordan Burch

Perhaps Oregon’s best defensive player, Burch missed the first matchup between these two College Football giants. With both Matayo and Burch available for this game and facing a backup tackle, the Ducks could see themselves getting into the double digits for pressures. I expect Oregon to be aggressive in getting after Will Howard and testing him to make the pass with a big defensive lineman in his grill. 

Jhop:

Off POTG: Tez Johnson

I think Ohio State will game plan to try and slow down Oregon’s rush attack. It was hard for the Buckeyes to contain the first go round and I think they will really stack the box hoping to take it away. Tez is going to be needed and should have a big game. He’s Gabriel’s safety valve and while I know E-Stew was huge the first time, I think this time it will be Tez.

Def POTG: Matayo Uiagelelei

The best part about this defensive line is that you have to pick your poison with them. You can’t stop them all. So far we have not seen Burch look the same since coming back from injury but with the extra time he might have that step back. He’ll command just enough attention that I think we’ll see ‘Young Concrete’ making life difficult for Will Howard. He doesn’t necessarily have to sack him to make an impact on the game.