ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs Oregon State

It’s darn near game week and we all couldn’t be anymore excited about the Civil War. Of course it’s an odd feeling playing it in September but the game is still building with anticipation.

Oregon has got to play better this week. There is no debate about that. And it’s going to have to count on the leadership of some of the more experienced players on the team. Here are our predictions of which players might breakout this week against the Beavers.

Max Torres:

Offense: Terrance Ferguson

Ferguson caught three passes for 27 yards against Boise State, but I think he’s do for a larger performance against the Beavers. If the offense looks more like its typical self, I think it will be at least in part due to his blocking and pass catching efforts. As a senior who’s played in this game many times, I’d like to see him find the end zone.

Defense: Derrick Harmon

Harmon has been a terrific addition since coming over from Michigan State this offseason. With the Beavers being so run heavy I think he’s going to be big for the Ducks on Saturday. So far he’s made a very strong impression generating pressure. Now it’s time to stuff the run.

Collin King:

Offense: Evan Stewart

Evan Stewart posted a fantastic statline this past week against Boise State and will look to build on that going forward. The Beavers don’t have a particularly strong secondary and will have to be keyed in mostly on Tez Johnson. This should allow for Stewart to get free on some broken coverages and hopefully find the endzone again this week.

Defense: Brandon Johnson

Brandon Johnson has been an absolute baller in the first two games with Oregon. The Duke transfer has been all over the field and been amazing in coverage. The receiving core this coming week isn’t all that talented considering injury and I would anticipate Brandon Johnson having another strong performance.

Linden Hile:

Offense: Tez Johnson

Coming off a down week in the receiving department, I think Johnson rebounds in a big way against Oregon State. In a game where the Beavers figure to have their best chance of success by playing in the phone booth, so to speak, getting the ball to perimeter playmakers will be paramount for Oregon.

Keep an eye on Johnson to have a performance more akin to his 10-catch, two-TD outing against Idaho than the one against Boise State last weekend.

Defense: Jamaree Caldwell

Styles make fights and Oregon State’s is one of grounding and pounding in the run game. This being said, I think Oregon fans should look for Caldwell to make his presence felt in a spot where he’ll be needed.

Despite not having made big statistical impacts yet, I think Caldwell will show up in a big way here, likely making a TFL or two to help slow the Beavers’ methodical run attack.

Jhop:

Offense: Dillon Gabriel

He’s due for a big game. I know he had the stats against Idaho but it didn’t quite feel like his best performance. He’s having trouble working through his progressions and adjusting to his time (or lack of) in the pocket. At some point you have to hope he combines the short game with the long game. I’m hoping we see that against Oregon State and the Ducks can begin to take the steps towards the ‘standard.’

Defense: Matayo Uiagelelei

If you haven’t paid close attention you might not really appreciate what Uiagelelei has done through two weeks. He’s been incredibly difficult to block and has held up well in the run game. I think OSU is going to lean on the run game and the interior has done a good job. Meaning I think we’ll see OSU trying to bounce the ball out wide and it will be critical for Oregon to hold containment on the edges. Look for Matayo to have a big, big game in Corvallis.