ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storyline vs TTU

We are gearing up for the big show down. As the roundtable presses on we are talking about our storylines that could play out Saturday.

As you will read below there are a lot of varying opinions on this one this week. From defensive pressure to offensive strategy. Read below our thoughts on this Big-12 vs Pac-12 showdown.

Jhop: Oregon POUNDS the Rock

The thing that gives me the most excitement about this offense is the balance. We saw Oregon throw for some big plays vs Portland State. And while they did run the ball, it was somewhat rare but effective. I think Tech is going to focus on stopping Bo and Troy and in the end, Bucky, Noah and the boys are going to pound them on the ground for well over 300 yards rushing.

Joel Gunderson: Oregon Handles the Heat, Literally and Figuratively

With temperatures expected to be near 100 degrees at kickoff, the Ducks enter their most challenging weather conditions since Seattle decided to flood back in 2021. Thanks to the tandem of Wilson Love and Jarwarski Beckum, it won’t phase them. Oregon’s strength and speed coaches have reshaped, reformed, and remodeled the program in less than two full years, and Saturday night is when their work fully shows.

Oh, and the figurative heat? That comes from a hostile crowd, an opponent capable of knocking them, their first actual road test since Georgia, and the pressure that builds each week as they march to a playoff appearance.

I’m not predicting a victory like we saw in Tennessee in 2010, but as the game wears on, we’ll see the Ducks pull away and send a statement across the conference and country.

Jarrid Denney: Oregon’s pass rush will look just fine

Even after last Saturday’s blowout win, a sector of Oregon’s fan base was concerned about the Ducks’ pass rush against Portland State. 

Oregon did not record a sack and tallied just eight quarterback pressures against a Portland State squad that was completely outmatched from a physical standpoint. However, I think that was partially due to the fact that the Vikings were doing everything they could to get the ball out quickly and keep quarterback Dante Chachere healthy for Week 2. 

Against Texas Tech, the Ducks are going to have their best 11 players on the field on a far more frequent basis. I think we’ll see them have some success getting after Tyler Shough. 

Doug Scott: Oregon Generates Pressure

Oregon is able to get pressure on Shough throughout the game, recording a sack or two along with multiple hurries, and forcing two interceptions on the day as well.  The takeaways and pass rush both highlight the makings of a much improved defense for 2023.

Corpatty: Tyler Shough hurts Oregon….with his legs.

Dual-threat probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Tyler Shough.  However, as his career has evolved he’s turned into a dangerous runner.  Over the final 4 games last season, he averaged 66 yards rushing a game, including a 25 carry, 111 yard effort in their Bowl game against Mississippi.  I think Shough is going to try to exploit the Oregon LBs with his legs scrambling out of the pocket.  And I do think he will find some success doing that with Oregon focused on preventing big plays in the passing game.