Opponent Preview: Oregon
At a Glance Oregon at Oregon State
When: TBA Saturday, Nov. 26
Where: Reser Stadium
TV/Radio: TBD/Beaver Sports Radio Network
Series history: Oregon leads 63-46
Last meeting: Despite outscoring the Ducks, 35-21, in the second half, it wasn’t enough for the Beavers to overcome UO’s strong start, as they ended up falling, 52-42. Bralon Addison caught 8 passes for 106 yards and 3 TDs, while Royce Freeman rushed for 167 yards and two TDs to lead the Ducks. Seth Collins, in a slash-like role, scored three rushing TDs for OSU, while Ryan Nall ran for 181 yards, including a 66-yard score.
2015 in Review
Record: 9-4 overall, 7-2 Pac-12 (5-2 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral)
Bowl game: Lost to TCU, 47-41, in three overtimes in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
Notable games: Lost at Michigan State, 31-28; lost at home to Utah, 62-20; lost to WSU, 45-38, in two OTs, at home; beat ASU in three OTs, 61-55, in Tempe; beat Stanford, 38-36, in Palo Alto.
Quick numbers
Points per game: 43.0, Opponents: 37.5; Rushing yards per game: 279.9, Opponents: 178.8; Passing yards per game: 258.3, Opponents: 306.5; Time of possession: 27:16, Opponents: 32:44; Red-zone touchdown percentage: 64 percent, Opponents: 70 percent.
Top performers
Passing: Vernon Adams (2,643, 26 TDs, 6 INT, 64.9 percent completion rate); Rushing: Royce Freeman (1,836 yards, 16 TDs, 6.5 YPC); Receiving: Bralon Addison (55 catches, 904 yards, 5 TDs); Tackles: Joe Walker (87 tackles, 6 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 recovered fumbles).
Key losses
Adams, Addison, Tyler Johnstone (OL), DeForest Buckner (83 tackles, 17 for loss, 10.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups), Walker, Rodney Hardrick (81 tackles, 6 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 INT).
Nov. 26 Outlook
Key returners
Freeman (JR. RB); Darren Carrington (RS-JR. WR): 32 catches, 609 yards, 6 TDs, 5.4; Charles Nelson (JR. WR): 17 catches, 240 yards, 2 TDs; Tyree Robinson (RS-JR. SS): 64 tackles, 3 INT, 8 pass breakups; Reggie Daniels (RS-SR. DB): 56 tackles, 10 pass breakups; Arrion Springs (JR. DB): 53 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 12 pass breakups.
Key strength
This one is a no brainer. Oregon’s run game should remain among the Pac-12’s elite with Freeman, Taj Griffin (570 yards, 3 TDs, 7.4 YPC), Kani Benoit (364, 3 TDs, 7.0), and Co. Freeman should excel once again, but watch out for the explosive Griffin to have a larger role. As long as Freeman stays healthy, the Ducks should remain tough to stop on offense.
Key question
While there’s a lot of concern about the UO defense due to key losses and a new DC and scheme, quarterback should be just as big of a worry. Travis Jonsen and Dakota Prukop are no Vernon Adams. Will the Ducks’ lack of developing younger QBs come back to bite them this season? If the QBs struggle, teams will key up on Freeman, and no matter how great he is, he can’t do it all.
Raju’s Take
The pressure will on the OSU defensive line to penetrate and hurry whoever the Ducks’ quarterback is. If they can force him to hurry or force turnovers, the Beavers have a chance in this one. UO has a nice group of WRs, too, but if the QB can’t get them the ball, they can be negated. If the line can do its job, OSU linebackers should also have opportunities to have a big impact.
On the other side of the ball, the Beavers should take a page or 20 from last year’s Civil War. Throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at the Ducks’ revamped defense. And punish them with Ryan Nall. A healthy Paul Lucas will add another wrinkle for the Beavers. Because they don’t have to worry about Bucker this year, they should try taking some shots downfield as well.
It might be hard to fathom, but for the first time in what seems like ages, you should like the Beavers’ odds against their hated rival. UO has a lot of questions surrounding it on both sides of the ball, meaning that if the Beavers can come out strong, get the home crowd into it, and execute consistently, this should be another entertaining and competitive Civil War.