ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Ohio State

We are reaching the point where it’s been so long and so much talk, it’s just time to play ball. And we are getting really close to that happening.

The next roundtable is one of my faves each week, predicting the players of the game for Oregon on each side of the ball. As you can see here are our predictions below with a lot of great picks.

Who are your picks for Saturday?

Linden Hile:

Offense: Evan Stewart

I keep picking Evan Stewart as Oregon’s offensive player of the game and while he’s been productive, I think fans would admit he hasn’t been featured as heavily as they thought he might. This feels like a spot where the Ducks will need to lean into the abilities of their most blue-chip players and that feels like an advantageous spot for Stewart in my mind.

Defense: Jeffrey Bassa

Bassa has had a fairly quiet 2024 so far as he works back from an injury that limited him in fall camp. I think this is the point where his leadership and fundamental play will pay dividends as I believe as many restrictions on his snap count as possible will be removed.

I don’t expect his contributions to show up in a massive way on the stat sheet but his communication and sound play will be vital against as disciplined and talented an operation as Ohio State.

Max Torres:

Offense: Dillon Gabriel

I think Oregon will aim to establish the ground game and lean on star running back Jordan James, but if they want to beat the Buckeyes they need a solid game from Gabriel. He doesn’t need to be a superhero, but he needs to do the little things well. Take care of the ball, get the offensive line in the correct protections, distribute the ball to the playmakers and hit some deep shots at the right times. 

Defense: Jordan Burch

Burch has now stacked two big games back to back and boy wouldn’t he love to keep that trend going against the Buckeyes. This is a prove it game for an Ohio State offensive line that hasn’t seen anything close to Oregon’s defensive front through five games. Burch is rounding into form and looking like the former five-star recruit he was coming out of high school. The line of scrimmage will be crucial on Saturday and a big day from Burch could go a long way for the Ducks.

Collin King:

Offense: Iapani Laloulu

Since Oregon has moved Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu back to center, they have put up 240 rushing yards, 153, and most recently 213 rushing yards, while also allowing no sacks over the three game stretch. While two of three of the defensive fronts they faced were far inferior, it displays positive development for the Oregon offensive line. Now the offensive line will face the toughest defensive line it has seen to this point, and the second hardest it will face all year.

Defense: Jabbar Muhammad

The impact transfer from Washington can put NFL Scouts and the country on notice with an impressive performance against top tier wide receiver talent. Muhammad has been known to “turn it up” in big games in his career such as games against Oregon State and Texas last season. If Jabbar can eliminate one of the Buckeyes top targets, Oregon’s odds of winning will improve drastically.

Jhop:

Offense: Traeshon Holden

I have jumped on with the E-Stew bandwagon a few times. He’ll be needed. But I’m not letting him sting me once again. Quietly, Holden has had a solid season for Oregon and proving to earn Gabriel’s attention more and more. I believe Ohio State will bracket Tez which means others should see single coverage often. Holden has to step up to compliment the run game and keep this offense balanced.

Defense: Devon Jackson

The speedy backer will need to continue his big season. His gift of speed and athleticism should allow him to read and react to the Ohio State offense. That balanced approach from Ohio State will call for a lot of reacting. I could see Jackson holding down the middle of the field for Oregon, helping in run support and hopefully disrupting crossing routes.