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The Oregon Ducks play their first game against a legacy Big Ten team, the Michigan State Spartans, this week in Autzen Stadium. It’s the Ducks’ first home game in almost three weeks, and it comes eight days before Oregon will host Ohio State for one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Excluding Boise State, the Michigan State Spartans will be the toughest opponent Oregon has faced so far this season. Coming into the season, I expected the Spartans to be one of the worst teams in the conference, but they’ve had a great start to their season.
Coaching for Michigan State is Jonathan Smith, the head coach of the Oregon State Beavers until this season. Smith has never coached a team to a win in Autzen Stadium, and Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks will be looking to continue that trend on Friday night. My three keys to Oregon securing their fifth victory of the season are listed below.
Plenty of explosive plays
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
For much of the Oregon Ducks’ existence, an explosive offense has defined Oregon football, but that hasn’t been exactly what we’ve seen this season. Besides the long Tez Johnson touchdown, Oregon didn’t have many explosive plays against UCLA. A slow, methodical offense isn’t a bad thing, but with Oregon’s offensive personnel, particularly at quarterback and wide receiver, I want to see the Ducks getting in over the top.
Develop a strong run game early
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Running the ball well is key in any game, but for Oregon, a team whose offense leans on the run game, it is paramount to their success. Michigan State has had a decent run defense to start the season, allowing just over 100 ground yards per game. If the Ducks can figure out a way to be more productive running the football than the average Michigan State opponent, it will open up a lot for…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-keys-victory-oregon-friday-133803441.html
Author : Ducks Wire
Publish date : 2024-10-04 13:38:03
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