Because it’s the first game of the season, no single player is expected to be in midseason form and mistakes are prone to happen. It’ll be the first time each team gets to hit an opposing player in a different colored uniform in nine months so expect emotions to be running high and the hits to be coming hard.

The Ducks have been itching for the opportunity to get back on the field after last year’s disappointing season that ended with a 30-7 victory over Texas in the Alamo Bowl, ending Oregon’s five-year BCS bowl streak. Likewise, South Dakota State is looking to do the near impossible and start the year off right after a 4-8 campaign in 2013.

Here are the players from each team that fans need to watch:

OREGON

Andre Yruretagoyena and Jake Fisher: Tyler Johnstone, Oregon’s starting left tackle, reinjured his ACL and is done for the season so in steps his roommate and best friend Yruretagoyena. Yruretagoyena has been moved to the right side of the offensive line and in return, has sent over Jake Fisher to take the duty of protecting Marcus Mariota’s blindside. If the Ducks are going to succeed, they’re going to need to start on the offensive line so the importance of this unit meshing together is vital to the outcome of the game.

Devon Allen: With the return of senior Keanon Lowe, everybody knows the Ducks get a smart and talented possession receiver, but who is going to apply all of the big plays Oregon has come to be known for after Bralon Addison went down with a torn ACL? In steps redshirt freshman Devon Allen, fresh off being crowned the 110-meter hurdles champion at the NCAA Championships four months ago. Allen has world-class speed and world-class athleticism but translating it to the football field is a whole different story. So far he has received raves from coaches and Mariota as being a go-to type of receiver so the more he progresses, the better Oregon’s offense will look and succeed.

Honorable Mention: Troy Hill, defensive back; Royce Freeman, running back; Jeff Lockie, quarterback

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Riley Donovan: If South Dakota is going to have any chance at playing spoiler, it’s going to fall on the shoulders of Donovan, a sophomore wide receiver with big-play ability. Orinigally scheduled to redshirt last year, Donovan proved to be invaluable on the bench and came on to lead the team with 553 yards receiving although missing the first four games of the year. He averaged a whopping 17.8 yards per catch but only found the end zone twice (all in one game), a stat the must be improved for success.

Trevor Bouma: The best way to take down the Ducks is to keep their offense off the field and in order to do so, one must control the clock with the running game. Bouma will be called upon early and often to keep the chains moving and Oregon’s offense on the sideline. If he can dance his way to 150 yards, a very tough task, the Coyotes will have a chance.

Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka