ScoopDuck Roundtable: Players of the Game vs OSU
The final roundtable for the regular season is upon us. As some of you brave the crowds for Black Friday, many of you make your way early over to Autzen stadium and the surrounding grounds to get a jump start on tailgaiting.
There’s not much to sell in this game, it’s going to be a wild one in Eugene Friday night. Here is who we predict will have big games for the Ducks.
Jhop:
Bucky Irving
It will be his final game in Autzen stadium. Which can be said of many Ducks later today. Bucky has been an absolute treat to watch. Often under appreciated because of Oregon’s rich running back history. But he’s been one of the most complete backs in program history and I think Bucky goes for over 150 total yards today.
Brandon Dorlus
The last chance for Dorlus to play in the comfy confines of Autzen stadium. He’s been an absolute force this season and he will have every chance to leave Duck fans with one final show. I expect we’ll see the Brandon Dorlus that NFL scouts continue to evaluate with him being a force in run and pass defense.
Jarrid Denney:Troy Franklin
Oregon State has plenty of talent in the secondary and its top cornerback, Jaden Robinson, has not surrendered more than 53 yards in any game this season. But I’m not sure there is a team in the country that is capable of slowing down Troy Franklin these days. Look for him to eclipse the 100-yard mark once again in the regular-season finale.
Jeffrey Bassa
It’s no secret that Oregon State is going to need to run the ball early and often if it hopes to escape Eugene with a win today. Jeffrey Bassa has been one of Oregon’s most consistent run-stoppers this season and will play a massive role for the Ducks. I wouldn’t be surprised of he records a season-high for tackles against the Beavers.
Joel Gunderson:
Bo Nix
I have yet to pick Nix this season, so (knock on wood) hopefully this doesn’t change anything. But with a potential rematch against UW, possibly the playoffs, and a weak Oregon State secondary, Nix can accomplish a few things.
He can put some distance between himself and the rest of the Heisman contenders; there’s real momentum right now, and another outstanding performance will only enhance that.
He can provide some much-needed “rest” for Oregon’s running backs. And by rest, I mean perhaps just 8-10 carries a piece for Irving and James.
And, finally, he can secure Oregon’s birth in the conference title game, setting up a winner-take-all for the Heisman, a playoff spot, and true West Coast power.
Jestin Jacobs
Jacobs arrived in Eugene with one task, and one task only: don’t let Oregon State pull that crap again (at least, I’m telling myself that was his only task; it’s more fun that way).
The reality is that the Beavers’ best hope of pulling the upset lies with Damien Martinez and Jacobs is the perfect tool for the job. Since making his debut, Jacobs has been solid, and Oregon’s run defense continues to shine, and this will be their biggest test to date.
A banner day for the Iowa transfer would go a VERY long way in helping Oregon secure the victory.
Doug Scott:
Bo Nix
Bo Nix will continue his scorching hot play, throwing for 300+ yards and at least 4 TDs against a Beaver defense that is stronger up front than they are on the back end.
Jestin Jacobs
Jestin Jacobs. This feels like a game where the LBs will need to step up and play big, and i’m predicting just that for the entire group, led by Jacobs who will put up his best game yet since returning from injury in late October.
