ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Boise State

Oregon will count on some of its star players to step up this week and put on a better showing against Boise State. I know Oregon fans are hoping to see a bounce-back performance.

If they are going to have a better week two, these are some of the players Oregon will need to step up. Here are our predictions for players of the game on offense and defense.

Collin King:

Offense: Tez Johnson is a superstar and was Mr. Reliable last week whenever Oregon needed him. I’m anticipating he is reliable yet again this week and helps propel the offense whenever they need a boost. I think we could see Tez reach 115 yards this game and score another TD.

Defense: Kobe Savage showed up last week and was a good player in the run game this week, and as previously mentioned Oregon will need run stoppers. Due to the health of the LBs, I opted to not pick one of them, but another player who can make an impact in multiple facets of the game. I think Savage will get a TFL or two this week and make a strong impact in the secondary as well.

Linden Hile:

Offense: Despite last week’s struggles running the ball, I think Oregon will lean into its ground game and try to grind out yards against what should, on paper, be an overmatched Boise State defensive line.

Jordan James managed great rushing efficiency when no one else was able to against Idaho, and I think another strong performance from him will be vital for the Ducks’ success this weekend. If Oregon does what they should do against the Broncos, James will be in line for a big game.

Defense: We know about Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at this point. I don’t have a ton of concerns about Oregon’s defensive line doing its job in run containment, but a strong performance from the linebackers will be just as important for defending the Broncos’ rushing attack.

As one of the Ducks’ most experienced and most athletic linebackers, this game sets Jestin Jacobs up to showcase the best of what he can do.

Look for Jacobs to play aggressively in run fits and defend sideline-to-sideline to slow down one of college football’s best running backs.

Max Torres:

Offense: Will Stein clearly has plenty of confidence in tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Whether it’s running the ball out of the backfield or exploding upfield on quick passes, he’s someone that should be touching the ball early and often. Maybe I’m a bit biased here because I just love tight ends, but the staff rolled out three tight end sets a number of times against Idaho and I bet Sadiq is fired up to play another team from his home state.

Defense: After playing limited snaps in week 1, Jeff Bassa should be in store for a big game this week. Oregon’s defensive line looked very good against Idaho and strong play in the trenches will allow him to fly around and shoot through some gaps. I think the coaches will lean on him to help slow down running back Ashton Jeanty, who’s fresh off a six-touchdown performance.

Jhop:

Offense: I know we are all starved for some explosion plays. It felt like Evan Stewart was open often last week and Gabriel missed him for one reason or another. I don’t think Oregon will make that mistake twice. If Gabriel has time I think he’ll find Stewart this week and let him make some big plays. I’m looking for him to take a big step forward this week.

Defense: If Oregon can hold up well enough against the run and put some points on the board, it might force Boise to head to the air. And that is where Brandon Johnson comes in. After a great week one performance, I think Johnson will look to back that up with another big game in the secondary.