ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Maryland

This week we are back with our picks for players of the game. And it’s some pretty good picks from our crew. Sometimes we end up with a lot of the same picks but not this week.

Oregon is a heavy favorite over Maryland ahead of this one. It should be a blowout in Eugene but that doesn’t guarantee it will be.

Here are our predictions for players of the game on Saturday.

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Max Torres:

Offense: Terrance Ferguson

Ferguson looks like he hasn’t missed a step after his appendectomy and he’s always been a key part of this offense. Even so he still hasn’t really had a breakout or signature performance this year. In fact, he has yet to find the end zone or break 100 receiving yards. I think the staff makes it a point to get him more involved this weekend, maybe in part to show Linkon Cure what he can be in this Oregon offense.

Defense: Jabbar Muhammad

With how much Maryland likes to throw the ball, I think the Ducks’ secondary as a whole will be a key to victory. I expect Muhammad to match up with Tai Felton, the Terps’ No. 1 wide receiver. Oregon’s top corner has been incredibly active this year, breaking up eight passes, but I think this is the week he gets his hands on one and snags his first interception of the season.

Collin King:

Offense: Evan Stewart

Stewart is bound to get the most attention from opposing DBs now that Tez Johnson is likely done for the regular season. However, Maryland’s secondary is so poor that I don’t think them giving him extra attention will matter. I’m expecting Stewart to have a big game this week against one of the worst starting corners that Oregon has faced all year.

Defense: Matayo Uiagalelei 

Matayo has truly come into his own this season and facing a poor offensive line this week that is known to allow pressure seems like a recipe for disaster for Maryland. Having Burch back opposite of Matayo makes the job that much easier for him as well and takes some of the chip blocks off of him. Look out for Matayo this weekend.

Linden Hile:

Offense: Justius Lowe

With Tez Johnson likely out this week, Lowe is the receiver I think can best replicate what he does in Oregon’s offense. He was excellent in the short game against Michigan and should provide something of a security blanket for Dillon Gabriel like Johnson ordinarily does.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lowe spend some time operating out of the slot as his frame lends itself well to that spot while Traeshon Holden may get more work on the perimeter than he usually does. At either rate, I think he’ll have an impact game with five or more catches and 50+ yards.

Defense: Brandon Johnson

While it feels like he hasn’t had as much impact lately as in Oregon’s first few games, this matchup reminds me more of those first handful of opponents. Maryland is a team that wants to attack in the passing game and we’ve seen Johnson make big plays on that front all year.

I think he has a high likelihood of forcing a turnover when the Terrapins are down and looking for an explosive play downfield. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Ducks’ defense grabs multiple interceptions this week and for my money Johnson is one of the most probable guys to capitalize on one.

Jhop:

Offense: Kenyon Sadiq

I think Oregon will look to use its tight ends this week for two reasons. To showcase how they use them to 5-Star tight end Linkon Cure on his visit and help alleviate some of the missing targets from Tez Johnson. You can pick your poison between Sadiq and T-Ferg if so but I do believe one or both of these guys will have big games Saturday.

Defense: Jordan Burch

Good luck Maryland. They have a really bad offensive line and I think Burch will use this opportunity to prove he’s back to the 100-percent he claimed this week. I expect he’ll have a big game which Oregon will be glad to see entering this pivotal stretch of the season.