ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Michigan

Welcome to our Thursday edition of the roundtable. Which we predict which players will stand out on Oregon’s offense and defense against Michigan.

There’s some really good picks below and no overwhelming favorites adding variety. Who on Oregon will step up?

Read our predictions below.

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Max Torres:

Offense: Jordan James

This is going to be a physical game and the Ducks are going to lean on James to get their offense going. Just how much they’ll need to lean on him depends on how Noah Whittington looks on Saturday. James may not put up gaudy numbers but I think he’ll play a big role in the success of Oregon’s offense against the Wolverines.

Defense: Derrick Harmon

Harmon has been Oregon’s best defensive lineman this year. He can pass rush from the interior and defend the run—he’s a jack of all trades type of player. Add in the extra distaste he has for the Wolverines as a former Spartan and he’s a guy who won’t need any extra juice when the Ducks run out of the tunnel at the Big House.

Collin King:

 Offense: Evan Stewart

With Michigan CB1 Will Johnson’s health being up in the air, trending towards not playing, I think Oregon can feast in the passing game. Stewart, as I predicted against Ohio State, emerged as the true weapon fans were hoping for when Stewart transferred to Oregon. He has continued to be heavily involved in the passing game since and going up against a team without one of the best corners in the entire country is sure to show.

Defense: Derrick Harmon

This isn’t going to be a reach or a hot take by any means this week but Oregon will be tasked with shutting down a solid rushing attack and that starts up front. I was debating putting Caldwell here but opted to go with the former Michigan State Spartan instead. Harmon has been an X-Factor for the Oregon defense and going up against a less experienced offensive line than in past years should make for a fun watch.

Linden Hile:

Offense: Evan Stewart

It seems like the bigger the game, the more Oregon goes to Stewart. He’s been quieter the last couple of weeks but this feels like a spot against a big-name opponent where the Ducks might lean on him to really flex their best stuff.

Defense: Ja’Marree Caldwell

In a game where I expect Michigan to not do a lot other than run the ball, Oregon’s interior defensive line will be tested. The Wolverines are undoubtedly aware of what Derrick Harmon can do but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Caldwell, the more pure run-stuffer of the two, get his shine with a TFL or two.

Jhop:

Offense: Noah Whittington

I can’t believe nobody else picked Whittington. Coming off the week he had against Illinois I think he’s running with confidence. And that is something that will make him a huge asset down the stretch for Oregon. While I think Michigan will look to stop the run as much as possible, the passing game will push them back and Whittington will be a threat in the passing game. Look for a big day from Whittington on Saturday.

Defense: Jeffrey Bassa

I love the Harmon picks and I think he will take this game personally. But I think Bassa sees this as an opportunity to up his NFL draft stock. He will look to fill the lanes and tackle the running backs showing he’s ready for the NFL level. This will be a big one for Bassa who leads Oregon in tackles in Ann Arbor on Saturday.