ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storylines vs Ohio State

Well it’s game week and we have our very fist roundtable ready to go. This one as always will feature us talking about a surprise storyline that could take place in this big game.

This week however we have a new addition. Our old friend Doug Scott is back in the roundtables and will be moving forward. As part of his interest in providing more regular content to ScoopDuck.

So here are the predictions below and let us hear who got it right or what prediction you might have.

Doug Scott: The Defense

Not sure this should be a surprise to anyone watching this season, but for two teams that have been led by their offenses the past few seasons, this game is going to come down to the two defenses. Ohio State’s defense is better than their offense. Oregon’s defense is better than their offense too. I think the defenses will both show up in this one and make it a challenge for offenses that have both shown to be capable of very high level play, but also show a lot of inconsistency. I think both teams turn the ball over in this one, and expect the score for both to be in the 20’s.

Linden Hile: Oregon More Physical

With all the storylines about the Big Ten’s physicality, I think Oregon will prove to be the more physical outfit than Ohio State. I think the main advantage the Buckeyes hold comes on the perimeter as opposed to the lines of scrimmage so expect the Ducks to get a good pass rush and hold up well on the offensive line.

Oregon’s line units have both improved since the beginning of the year and I think this will be enough to give them the edge in the trenches against a premier opponent.

Collin King: Jordan James runs rampant

I have whiffed on this pick several times this season already, and being completely honest I’m not the most confident for this game. Ohio State’s defense is currently allowing only 2.3 yards per carry which is the third best mark in the country, and they are first in scoring defense, only allowing 6.8 points per game. While yes Ohio State hasn’t played anyone major to this point, they have been dominant on the defensive side and haven’t shown a weakness like they did in 2021. I feel like if Oregon has a legitimate chance here they will have to establish the run to avoid being one dimensional.

Max Torres: Oregon wins the middle eight

The middle eight has been discussed quite a bit in the Dan Lanning era, but earlier this season it was an area where the Ducks struggled. They nearly won it against UCLA was it not for a pick six, but they won it against Michigan State last week. Against Ohio State this week I think the Ducks will be dialed in and secure a crucial piece of momentum that just might be the key to a victory in a top-3 matchup.

Jhop: Oregon Connects Multiple Deep Balls

Oregon will have to run the ball on Saturday. So will Ohio State. I have no doubt this is going to be the focus of both teams. The key will be how these two teams open up the deep ball. They will have to be balanced in order to keep drives going. I think Oregon has saved this for this game. They’ve taken a few shots but it’s been pretty scarce. I’m looking for Oregon to push the ball vertically this week more than they have all season.