If you were a fan, what would be the best Oregon home game to attend this season?
Ryan Kostecka — My first choice is the Michigan State game because it’s very rare to witness a Pac-12/Big-10 game that will feature two teams ranked in the top 10 nationally. I’m going to go with the Washington game on October 18 because no game is bigger from a rivalry standpoint. The Ducks-Huskies battle is one of the best rivalries in college football and always makes for a great atmosphere.
Joey Hoyt — Flashes of Zach Ertz’s touchdown pass in the back corner of the endzone, and two missed field goals from Alejandro Maldonado, still haunts Oregon fans. Redemption at home, against rival Stanford, will be the best game to attend this year.
Hayden Kim — There is no question that Duck fans are marking their calendars for the Stanford game on November 1. Ranked No. 11 heading into the season, the Cardinal will once again be a serious contender in the Pac-12 and the Ducks will be looking to erase their recent nightmares against them. Having said that, the biggest home game of the year will be against Michigan State on Sept. 6. On top of having the nation’s attention so early in the season with a Pac-12/Big-10 matchup, this will be as good a test as any for the Ducks to see if they can handle teams with size, especially before playing the Cardinal.
Which player has the most to prove?
Kostecka — Without a question, Troy Hill will be the Duck with the most to prove. Teams will be very reluctant to throw towards All-American Ifo Ekpre-Olomu so look for Hill to get a lot of balls coming towards him. If Hill can finally live up to his tremendous hype and talent, look for Oregon’s defense to be one of the best in the nation. If not, it could get ugly against a Pac-12 conference with a lot of pass-happy offenses.
Hoyt — Byron Marshall has become somewhat of a forgotten man in Eugene. With youngsters Thomas Tyner and Royce Freeman on his tail, Marshall will have to prove that he’s still the top man in the Ducks’ backfield — something he’s capable of doing.
Kim — All eyes will be on Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who was named the No. 9 overall player heading into the season. As a returning senior, Ekpre-Olomu will be expected to lead the defense this season. However, with teams opting to not throw to Ekpre-Olomu for good reason, he will have to be near perfect when they do. Last season, Ekpre-Olomu had a solid outing, but it’s time he lives up to his NFL stock.
Which season-ending injury hurts the Ducks more: Bralon Addison or Tyler Johnstone?
Hoyt — Both players leave a question mark behind their absences. However, I think Johnstone’s loss will be more of a predicament for the Ducks. With a quarterback that’s been deemed somewhat fragile, protecting him is the main goal for Oregon. Whether it’s Jake Fisher or Andre Yruretagoyena, someone will need to step up and fill in for Johnstone.
Kim — Losing Johnstone will end up being the biggest loss. With the depth at the wide receiver position, the Ducks will likely be just fine, especially with Mariota running the show. With the loss of Johnstone, Mariota essentially lost one of his best blind side protectors and that is invaluable. Yruretagoyena has the ability to fill in, but it just won’t be the same.
Your prediction for Oregon’s record and why?
Kostecka — Oregon will finish the regular season with a 12-1 overall record and a victory over UCLA in the Pac-12 championship prior to the BCS playoffs. The Ducks will also be ranked No. 3 and have a shot at the national championship. Oregon’s lone loss can come to Stanford or UCLA but Utah is a huge sleeper, especially after the Stanford game.
Hoyt — New defense, same Stanford problem for the Ducks. Oregon falls to Stanford, but does something it couldn’t do last year, and bounces back. Ducks finish 11-1 in the regular season and earn a bid in the first college football playoff.
Kim — Oregon will go 11-1 this season. Not entirely sure if it’s going to come against Michigan State or UCLA, but with the amount of powerhouse teams the Ducks have to face, there will most likely be a loss somewhere in the mix. Earning the bid to the inaugural college football playoff will be the goal and there is little doubt the Ducks can reach it barring any further major injury and freak accidents.