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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Illinois

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•10/24/24
Kenyon Sadiq Idaho
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq against the Idaho Vandals. (Photo by: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK)

We have inched our way past the mid-way point and are heading down the hill now. It’s Thirsty Thursday which means you only have two more sleeps until Oregon takes on Illinois.

As you know by now we do our player of the game roundtable on Thursday. So here are our picks for this week with the big game against Illinois.

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Collin King:

Offense: Kenyon Sadiq

Kenyon Sadiq had to step up last week in Terrance Ferguson’s absence due to having a procedure to remove his appendix. I expect that Ferguson will be out again this week and Sadiq will be called on for a second straight week. I am fully confident in Sadiq’s ability and he is incredibly athletic. Sadiq has very good speed at the tight end position and will likely get a tight end screen or two this upcoming week.

Defense: Nikko Reed

Illinois has two very talented receivers in Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin but outside of them I don’t see anyone being that much of a threat. That being said Oregon will need all 3 corners to be up to the task on Saturday. We know Jabbar Muhammad will be, but what about Nikko Reed guarding Zakhari Franklin. This is likely my matchup to watch this weekend and should Oregon win this matchup, I believe they will dominate the game.

Max Torres:

Offense: Evan Stewart

Stewart continues to play a larger role each week after his breakout performance against Ohio State. It feels like he’s really helped this Oregon offense unlock a new level with his ability to get open and stretch the field. I think he builds on back-to-back strong games and finds the endzone against Illinois.

Defense: Matayo Uiagalelei

If he isn’t already, Uiagalelei is on the verge of becoming a game-wrecker type of talent for the Ducks. He’s taken a clear step forward in his second year with the Ducks and is shining alongside Derrick Harmon, Jamaree Caldwell and the rest of the Oregon D-line. What makes him even more valuable for this team is he’s not just getting it done rushing the quarterback but he’s also a very capable run defender. The arrow continues to point way up for the sophomore out of St. John Bosco.

Linden Hile:

Offense: Jordan James

Coming off a game where he only got 11 touches, I’d expect James to get his fair share of work for this top-20 matchup. I also anticipate Oregon getting some things worked out on the offensive line after a relatively average rushing performance against Purdue.

Defense: Bryce Boettcher

Against Illinois’ primarily between-the-tackles run game, give me Oregon’s best run-defending linebacker to have a standout performance. Boettcher has been quieter lately than in the first few games but I think this is a spot where he pops.

Jhop:

Offense: Kenyon Sadiq

Sadiq gets another week to be the guy as T-Ferg gets back to health. I think we finally saw the Sadiq we expected all season last week emerge. He was used a few times and I could see his role expanding as he gets more comfortable with Dillon Gabriel and the offense. Watch him go for 100 yards and a touchdown this weekend.

Defense: Matayo Uiagelelei

You won’t see Burch again and it’s clear Uiagelelei is stepping in most for that role. He’s getting better and better with more reps and it’s clear he’s also a problem up front for opposing offensive linemen. I think he’ll be key this weekend with the balanced attack of Illinois to disrupting the timing and quarterback.

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