As the Oregon Ducks take on their rival’s the Oregon State Beavers this weekend, the Ducks are ready to face off and redeem themselves from last year’s loss of 24-34. As their eight-game winning streak versus OSU was snapped in 2016, the Ducks need to show up locked and loaded. With QB Justin Herbert back in the swing of things and coming off of last week’s explosive win against Arizona, the Ducks have faith in their squad again.
In practice on Wednesday, the Ducks are looking strong both, offensively and defensively. Offensively, Herbert, known as the Duck’s secret weapon after last weekend, will bring his talent to the line as he improves the Duck’s passing game. With all-star receivers such as TE Jacob Breeland and WR Charles Nelson, Herbert has a solid group of teammates he can count on to complete plays. There is no doubt that Oregon’s RB Royce Freeman has been a signature player throughout the season. Two rushing touchdowns away from passing OSU’s Ken Simonton for most all-time in the Pac-12, Freeman has had a powerful presence on this program and according to Taggart has set the example for running backs to come.
The Oregon defense has RB Ryan Nall as their biggest target. Taggart described him as a “big-time competitor, he’s a big running back that’s athletic and he’s dangerous”. To ensure Nall isn’t making big moves to the end zone, Taggart states the team needs to know where they need to be to stop the powerful running back in the red zone.
Jim Leavitt, Oregon’s defensive coordinator, continues to rave about CB Arrion Springs, performance last weekend against Arizona: “I keep saying the word ‘proud’, but it’s true. He’s been a real good veteran for us… he’s done really well this year so far”. Springs, one of Oregon’s seniors and most importantly, key player for the Duck defense, states that he won’t respond to the rivalry beef through media but it will all sort itself out on the field.
Tune in on Saturday, 11/25 at 4pm PST on ESP2 for full coverage of the UO and OSU Civil War showdown.
