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ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storyline vs OSU

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•11/21/23
Jonathan Smith
CORVALLIS, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Head Coach Jonathan Smith of the Oregon State Beavers points from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

One step closer to the Civil War matchup with Oregon and Oregon State on Friday. We know a number of the ways this game could play out, or should play out. However we make some predictions on some surprise storylines that could emerge on Friday.

Here are those predictions below from the ScoopDuck staff.

Jarrid Denney: Oregon State keeps it close 

I think this game is going to be closer than most Oregon fans would like. I’ve been high on Oregon State all season; I picked it to finish third in the Pac-12 preseason media poll. Jonathan Smith has built a really good roster in Corvallis. The Beavers’ offensive line, running backs, and secondary are all very, very good. I’ve still got the Ducks winning, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Oregon State puts up a strong fight. 

Joel Gunderson: DJU Hurts Oregon More Than Martinez

Piggybacking off my opposing player to watch from yesterday, I expect the Ducks to play ferociously against the run, limiting Martinez’s effectiveness. While it won’t leave them vulnerable against the pass, it will spotlight DJU, who is still dangerous when given time. 

Forcing the Beavers to rely on the passing game is exactly what the Ducks should do; it will show up in DJU’s box score, where I expect him to have some good stats, but it won’t ultimately matter.

Doug Scott: Oregon Outrushes OSU

It’s game 12, so it becomes more and more difficult to find surprises. We know what teams are at this point.  Oregon State will rely on the ground game backed up by play action passes, and Oregon will play it’s usual balanced attack, taking advantage of what the defense chooses to leave more lightly defended.  I”m going to go with this one as a “surprise”: Oregon will rush for more yards than the Beavers.

Corpatty: Statement game for CFP rankings

The eyes of the nation will be on Oregon Friday night.  In what is essentially a stand-alone college football game, Oregon is going to be under pressure to play well and beat the Beavers convincingly to hold off Texas in the CFP standings.  Look for Oregon to pull out all the stops to make a loud statement to the CFP committee.

Jhop:

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