The calendar has shifted and Oregon has entered the end of season stretch. The coaching staff and quarterback Marcus Mariota has echoed the feeling that this team is prepared to avoid a slip-up in November. The first test comes this weekend on the road against the No. 17 Utah Utes.
The Ducks haven’t made the trek to Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah since 2003, when they lost to future No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith and company 17-13.
This time, Oregon has the possible No. 1 overall draft pick quarterback in Mariota. Utah, on the other hand, has one of the best pass rush duos in college football. Defensive linemen Nate Orchard and Hunter Dimick have combined for 21 sacks through the first eight games of the season.
Here’s a look at the match-ups and players to watch:
Hunter Dimick vs. Tyrell Crosby/Matt Pierson
Utah’s Nate Orchard is one of the top pass rushers in the country. Orchard enters the game against Oregon with 12 sacks on the season. Across from him on the Ute defensive line, it doesn’t get any easier for the Oregon offense. Hunter Dimick has established that he is a good pass rushing combo opposite Orchard with nine sacks of his own this year. Offensive lineman Jake Fisher will be in charge of protecting Marcus Mariota from Orchard on the blindside.
On the other side of the offensive line, Matt Pierson is listed on the depth chart as the starter at right tackle. Pierson started at the position against Stanford, but left the game with a knee injury. True freshman Tyrell Crosby is listed as the backup. Crosby has had experience this season at both left and right tackle. Regardless, whoever starts at right tackle will be tested against Dimick this weekend.
Devontae Booker vs. the Oregon front seven
It’s no secret that the Utah offense runs through running back Devontae Booker. The junior running back has rushed for 811 yards and six touchdowns over the course of the last five games. With the flip flopping between Travis Wilson and Kendal Thompson at quarterback, Booker has been the consistency that the Utes offense has needed.
The Oregon defense is giving up an average of 167.4 yards per game this year. Taking away the Utes’ offensive bloodline in Booker has to be at the top of Oregon’s list for this game.
Players to Watch
Oregon:
Charles Nelson
Charles Nelson has become a focal point in the Oregon offense. He has lined up in every skill position imaginable. Head coach Mark Helfrich has said that Nelson is too good to have his skills limited. His speed is elite and it’s a factor of his game that should payoff on special teams. Former Duck, De’Anthony Thomas, had a key 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Utes last year. Nelson has the ability to have that kind of impact against the Utes on Saturday. Expect him to be all over the field on offense and on special teams.
Utah:
Kenneth Scott
The Utes lost leading wide receiver Dres Anderson for the season due to a knee injury that he suffered against USC two weekends ago. In their first game without him, the Utes passing attack struggled. The second leading receiver, Kenneth Scott, finished with one catch for six yards in their overtime loss to Arizona State. Scott, and fellow receiver Tim Patrick, need to add something to the offense for Utah to have a shot.
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt