Oct 104 min read

No. 3 Ducks Set to Host No. 2 Buckeyes in Top-5 Showdown

C.J Verdell scoring against Ohio State in 2021 — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten Conference) are coming off a convincing 31-10 victory on Oct. 4 against the Michigan State Spartans. The score does not do the performance justice as starters were pulled with Oregon having a 31-0 lead. The Ducks are set to host the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC/Peacock.

The College GameDay crew selected this matchup, so they will be in Eugene, Ore., this weekend. Ohio State leads the all-time series 9-1. However, the Ducks won the last matchup at Columbus, Ohio, in their 2021 contest, 35-28. This game is a potential game-of-the-year candidate with major implications for the Big Ten.

What's at Stake for the Ducks?

There are a plethora of things at stake for the Ducks, but one thing that isn't is the season as a whole. Before continuing, just remember that both of these teams could very well meet again in the B1G title game or the College Football Playoff. That's regardless of this game's outcome. Nonetheless, significant implications are at stake. Head coaches Ryan Day and Dan Lanning will both be under the national spotlight on Oct. 12.

The winner of this game will almost certainly be ranked No. 1 in the country. Also, whoever wins this game will be the top team in the B1G and have the most challenging game of their schedule out of the way early. If the Ducks were to win, they would head to Lafayette, Ind., to face off with Purdue on Oct. 18 with an undefeated record and a top-five victory under their belt.

Let us not forget that no matter the record, Power Four conference winners get a first-round bye in the CFP. Getting a victory here would be huge for Oregon or Ohio State, increasing their odds at a B1G championship appearance. Many critics have also been critical of the West Coast teams joining the B1G, but a win here would silence that noise as well.

Key Players: Oregon Ducks

Offense: Dillon Gabriel, QB

This one does not take much thinking. Both teams have weaponry at their disposal everywhere you look, and both teams could bring some severe pressure to the quarterbacks. Dillon Gabriel must not throw red zone interceptions like he did last week for the Ducks to win.

Dillon Gabriel throws a touchdown pass against Michigan State — © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Gabriel is a veteran who has shown composure in big games and clutch moments. That's if he stays true to himself and limits the mistakes, then Oregon could emerge victorious. Ohio State has Oregon beat at many positions, but not the most important one: quarterback.

Defense: Jabbar Muhammad, Jordan Burch, CB/DL

Two players are listed here for a reason. Oregon's defense is going to have its hands full with that loaded Ohio State offense. The good news for the Ducks is that their defensive front seems a little scarier than Ohio State's as of late. Will Howard's QBR when pressured is below 40 percent. But when he is protected, Howard is elite. Burch won B1G Defensive Player of the Week last week with 2.5 sacks. He is going to have to be disruptive on Oct. 12.

Jordan Burch during his big game against MSU — © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Jabbar Muhammad will likely see a ton of Jeremiah Smith, who some say is the best wide receiver in the country as a freshman. That is going to be a tall task. Muhammad is an elite corner who transferred from Washington this season and should be an NFL draft prospect. He may be unable to shut down Smith, but trying to contain the big plays will be critical.

Key Players: Ohio State Buckeyes

Offense: Will Howard, QB

This one was obvious. Both teams are loaded everywhere, so the quarterback battle will be emphasized. Which one of the two quarterbacks can execute under this kind of pressure when the whole country is watching? Howard may see the most pressure he has seen all season. He will need to remain composed, lean on his elite run game and execute. If he does that, then the Buckeyes should be in good shape. Oregon could have the upper hand if he is being chased around by defensive linemen all game long.

Defense: Denzel Burke, CB

Burke is going to be faced with a tall task. It is unknown whether or not he will be shadowing a receiver, but the assumption would be that he will be paired with Tez Johnson, Oregon's leading pass catcher. Johnson has been elite this season, hauling in 43 receptions for 395 yards and 5 touchdowns. Johnson is very shifty and has incredible speed. Burke needs to keep him contained because Gabriel loves to go his way. If you take Tez Johnson away from the Ducks' offense, things will be much simpler. Evan Stewart has yet to get going for the Ducks despite having more than enough talent to do so.

Trends to Watch

No one really knows what to expect on Oct. 12. There is much speculation around the country that both teams have been somewhat vanilla on offense so they do not show their hand for this game. Whether or not that is true, we do not know. Expect Oregon to try and repeat their game in 2021 by winning in the trenches. This time, the Ducks will have home-field advantage. C.J. Verdell had over 150 yards and 2 touchdowns that day.

The Ducks will need to get the run game going, let it open up the pass and keep the offense in a rhythm. However, either team's defense could be the biggest key to victory. We should expect Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to send different blitz packages and simulated pressures at Will Howard, who has shown he struggles when pressured. That is the focal point for Oregon: get to the quarterback.