Oregon Ducks

Oregon Ducks vs Nebraska Cornhuskers: Three Things I'll Be Watching

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Will the Oregon Ducks Inexperience on Defense be the story on Saturday against Nebraska or Will the Offense keep the pace against Nebraska?

The Oregon Ducks lost experience on both sides of the ball following 2016, the more noticeable on the Defensive side of the ball. A new 4-3 Defense was brought in by new Defensive Coordinator Brady Hoke and entering this week, the Ducks are 2-0 but the Defense is lacking.

The Run Defense needs a boost and overall is still averaging close to last seasons 28 points per game given up. Nebraska will be a solid test for the rest of the season. On Offense it should be Royce Freeman that helps ‘Win The Day’, and keep an eye on Special Teams. Defense is where we start with what I will be watching on Saturday.

(FYI: With the DirecTV issue and KEZI-the Eugene/Springfield ABC Affiliate-not being carried I had to resort to an HD Antenna from GE to watch the game – kind of feel like it is 1990 all over again.)

Can the 4-3 Do The Math To Keep Oregon In The Game?

How Long Will the Oregon Defense Hold Nebraska?

Sep 10, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong (4) throws against the Wyoming Cowboys in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Anytime you start with something new, there is going to be a learning curve. The curve this season has not been tested. It will on Saturday against a traditional Big Ten team who has shown they will Ground and Pound, similar to Stanford, but they also have a Quarterback who can throw.

SB Nation broke down Quarterback Tommy Armstrong’s first two games by completion percentage and there is a clear hole. The later he goes into the game, the worse he becomes. The Oregon Defense will have to force some turnovers in the game to swing some momentum their way, especially if things get tight toward the 4th Quarter.

Oregon Quarterback Dakota Prukop has to protect the ball and make minimal mistakes. The Cornhuskers are the best in the nation at making turnovers happen so far in 2016.

Hand The Ball To 21 And Let Him Carry The Offense

It’s Time For Freeman To Show Why He’s Heisman Worthy

Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska knows that a storm is coming, the Running Game for Oregon is powered by Heisman Trophy Candidate Royce Freeman who can make a big statement in Saturday with a big game in Lincoln.

It took a few games for Freeman to find his form. Against UC Davis he had just 11 carries for 87 yards, but ran for two touchdowns against Virginia, one for 90 yards. The young Oregon Offensive Line will be tasked with getting Freeman some holes to work with. If Freeman can get the run game started, then Taj Griffin and Tony Brooks James should be able to spell Freeman and make some noise of their own.

Dakota Prukop has used his stable of weapons on Offense almost exclusively through the first two games. One area of his game has yet to really be seen. We know he can throw, but he can also run with the ball. He has not seen the need so far since he has plenty of weapons on the Oregon Offense. Will we see his footwork this week against Nebraska?

Special Teams Should Be The Difference

Ducks Don’t Lack Experience On Special Teams

Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) hands off to wide receiver Charles Nelson (6) during the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports

If you look at the statistics on paper, Nebraska has a big advantage on Saturday according to ESPN and it has to do with the Defense. Oregon is young and untested, but it is Special teams that could be the difference.

The kicking game specifically. Punter Matt Wogan is a through the end zone master and Place Kicker Aiden Schneider seems to not miss the goal posts so far in 2016. In the return game Charles Nelson and Royce Freeman can find the blocks and get big yards.

In practice Freeman has even been used to show team mates the right way to block entering Fall Camp in 2016. They payoff could be a big return or a touchdown on Special teams on Saturday. It could shift momentum to Oregon at the right time and be the factor get gets Oregon a W on the road.

Week 3 Matchups

The biggest matchup Oregon fans should be concerned with here is Colorado facing a stiff test against Michigan on the road. The fodder was made earlier this week with a ‘mock’ Michigan Depth Chart that Wolverines Head Coach Jim Harbaugh did not find very humorous.

Oregon will welcome Colorado to Autzen Stadium next week for a 2:30pm Pacific Time kickoff on Pac-12 Network to begin the Pac-12 schedule for both teams.

No In-Editor Preview for 120 Sports Videos

Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage of this Big Ten/Pac-12 matchup starting at Noon Saturday. The Ducks and Cornhuskers kickoff at 12:30pm Pacific Time on ABC.

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