The biggest home game of the year is fast approaching for the Ducks and even College Gameday is here. The DuckTV Sports staff answers the burning questions going into the Stanford game.
Oregon was gashed by injuries last week, how big of a concern is this for the Ducks?
McLean Cannon, DuckTV Sports Producer: Some of them certainly appear more serious than others, especially on the defensive side. Marcus Mariota and Kenjon Barner were able to bounce back from scares and appear to be just fine, but Avery Patterson’s knee injury looks much more serious. Patterson is just the latest casualty on Oregon’s defense that has taken quite a hit. Dion Jordan (shoulder), Issac Remington (foot), and Ricky Heimuli (knee) all didn’t play against Cal. The Ducks Defensive line is depleted and Stanford is a physical team that can take advantage. It’s definitely a cause for concern, though Oregon’s depth and talent should still be enough.
Anthony Piganelli, DuckTV Sports reporter: While it is definitely encouraging to see that Marcus Mariota and Kenjon Barner came back without any problems from there minor injuries, the Ducks couldn’t get as lucky on the third. Junior safety Avery Patterson, who was having a spectacular season thus far, suffered a serious knee injury early in the game against Cal last saturday. As for the game against Stanford this weekend, I believe the Patterson injury is a pretty big concern because it takes away from an already depleted secondary that has been without its standout veteran safety John Boyett for most of the season. However the offensive firepower should take care of any defensive struggles in this matchup.
Zach Goldstein, DuckTV Sports reporter: The biggest concern, as stated previously, comes in terms of the secondary. With Avery Patterson’s season ending ACL tear, the Ducks will more than likely start Brian Jackson and Erik Dargan at the safety positions. The Ducks aren’t exactly facing USC quality in the wide-out position this week either, Stepfan Taylor should be the biggest threat on the Cardinal side and stopping him comes down to a healthy and hungry Defensive line. With Isaac Remington and Dion Jordan likely to return, look for the Ducks to compensate in the secondary with a nearly complete starting d-line and linebacker rotation. If the Kenjon injury persists, Marshall, Ford, or Lyerla are all more than competent fill-ins. I expect to see Colt Lyerla’s role continue to grow, he’s a beast, but so is Stanford’s pro style defense, the Hillsborough native could be key this weekend.
There has been speculation De’Anthony Thomas will play cornerback this weekend due to injuries in the secondary. What would be your reaction to De’Anthony playing corner?
Cannon: He’s an elite athlete with elite speed, which leads me to believe he’d make a pretty good corner. I would just hate to see him get hurt. Thomas been held in check offensively since Pac-12 play started, and with the injuries to the secondary, it makes sense that the coaching staff wants to utilize his skills any way they can. I’m intrigued to see him play defensive back, as he was initially recruited as a corner out of H.S.. I just hope the Ducks aren’t getting greedy here.
Piganelli: It would be very exciting to say the least to have Thomas in the secondary running around showcasing his athleticism on both sides of the ball. More importantly the move wouldn’t exactly be bizarre because the Black Mamba was ranked the number 1 cornerback in the nation during his recruiting process in high school. With all of the injuries that have plagued the Oregon secondary this year, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see DAT inserted into some coverage packages this weekend against Stanford. However as most of us are probably thinking, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Goldstein: Go ahead young man, do your thing. Thomas is a freak, plain and simple. If he played solely cornerback he would be the best on the team, hands down, no questions asked. I’ve never seen Thomas seem tired, he’s got the energy of a kid hopped up on a family sized package of Skittles, play him on offense, defense, and special teams. A talent like his is once in a blue moon, Coach Kelly will look to get his Swiss Army knife of a weapon involved as much as he can.
What will be the keys to winning for Stanford?
Cannon: Establishing a consistent running game early with Stefan Taylor, capitalizing on red zone trips, and shutting down Oregon’s run game like Cal did. Mariota has shown he can win games when the ground game’s not working, but Stanford will still take their chances with a freshman quarterback playing in one of the biggest games of his career.
Piganelli: In order for Stanford to even compete in this game, let alone win, they must control the tempo right from the opening kickoff. On offense, they must pound the ball early with senior standout running back Stepfan Taylor. However once Oregon starts to commit to the run, redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Hogan must step up and make plays with his arm. While this may be tough to do against a tough defense in just his second start, he has to play like a veteran in order for the cardinal to walk away with the upset. On defense, it is essential that they force a couple of three and outs so that momentum shifts evenly.
Goldstein: Stopping the Cardinal ground game, and Mariota effectively running the offense. When I had the unfortunate pleasure of witnessing the loss at The Farm two years ago I realized something, a great running back can change a game. Stepfan Taylor makes the Cardinals go and if the Ducks keep him in check, things should be fine. If his numbers are anything like the 38 carry, 273 yard, 3 score performance Toby Gerhart had, the Ducks could be in hot water. On the other side of the ball the Ducks need to be consistent offensively for four quarters. The Cardinal give up just over seventeen points a game and are the best defense the Ducks have seen all year. Mariota will need another solid performance to keep Oregon undefeated.
What will be the final score?
Cannon: 57-20 Oregon. The Ducks score 8 touchdowns, three through the air, four on the ground, and one defensively, and adds a two-point conversion as well, rolling easily past an over-matched Stanford squad. Stanford struggles to move the ball offensively, as quarterback Kevin Hogan looks rattled, and as usual, the defense is no match against the Ducks prolific offense.
Piganelli: 38-24 Oregon. The Ducks will be tested in the this game, but will ultimately come away with another win in conference play. They will score off 2 passing touchdowns, 3 rushing, and a field goal. As for Stanford, 2 Stefan Taylor touchdowns as well as a Hogan throwing touchdown and a field goal should just about wrap up the scoring for the Cardinal. The game will be close early on, but the Ducks will pull away in the fourth quarter and remain undefeated.
Goldstein: 48-24 Oregon. I see Stepfan Taylor taking in a score or two, but Kevin Hogan won’t have much luck against a team that’s two weeks off playing USC’s pro-ready quarterback Matt Barkley. The Ducks will have a more even point distribution this week, I see a fifty-fifty touchdown ratio through the air and on the ground. The defense could also get a score as the Cardinal fight to come back in the game late. It should be close for a half or so but look for the high powered Ducks to soar past the heavy footed Stanford defense.
This is also a big weekend for Mens basketball, as they are playing Vanderbilt this Friday at home. What should duck fans expect from this game?
Cannon: Even with the departures of John Jenkins, Jeffrey Taylor, and Festus Ezeili, not to mention Brad Tinsley, Vanderbilt will still prove the superior team. Kedren Johnson scores 18 and Kyle Fuller and Kevin Bright chip in double figures, as the Commodores’ experience and athleticism proves too much, and Oregon’s youth and lack of chemistry is exposed. Vanderbilt cruises 75-63.
Piganelli: Although Oregon has added some key pieces this year with freshman guard Dominic Artis as well as a few transfers, they have also lost a significant amount of talent. Losing guards Garrett Sim as well as Devoe Joseph will prove to be costly as the lack of experience will show against a top team like Vanderbilt. The combination of the three skilled guards for the Commodores, Kendren Johnson, Kyle Fuller, and Kevin Bright, will ultimately prove to be too much for the Ducks. As a result, Vanderbilt walks away with an easy 77-59 win.
Goldstein: Fans should expect a pretty exciting Duck squad this year. With the recent news of Arsalan Kazemi’s clearance for the season the Ducks have a formidable inside presence with the Rice transfer teaming up with Tony Woods down low. Woods comes off a year in which he set a school record in blocks (51), and hopes to improve his inside scoring. Freshmen Dominic Artis is an exciting young player who can create, and score, in bunches. Senior E.J. Singler will be the key player amongst all of this as he seeks to improve his already lofty status amongst Oregon Basketball alumnus.