Calvin Throckmorton / Offensive line / Oregon
If Braxton Burmeister is at quarterback, the Ducks will continue to run the football with few pass attempts in between. Throckmorton has been steady at right tackle for the Ducks all season, but because right guard Jake Pisarcik was out against UCLA, Throckmorton played at right guard during points of the game. Regardless of where he plays, the offensive line will be crucial if the Oregon’s run-heavy offense is going to be successful. Throckmorton’s ability to play multiple positions will help the Ducks if Pisarcik is out again.
La’Mar Winston Jr. / Linebacker / Oregon
Winston played the best game of his career last week against UCLA, recording 11 total tackles, nine solos, with one sack. He played in the absence of Jonah Moi and could even become a regular on the defense when Moi returns. Winston and every linebacker will be responsible for stopping Utah’s mobile quarterbacks. Tyler Huntley has the second-most rushing attempts on the team, and the Oregon linebackers need to be able to contain him if the Ducks are going to be successful.
Tyler Huntley / Quarterback / Utah
Again, Huntley’s mobility will be important and somewhat of a new challenge for the Ducks. They haven’t faced a mobile quarterback quite like Huntley yet. The Utah offense stalled against Arizona State, only scoring 10 points. Huntley is a big reason why the offense struggles. He threw four interceptions and zero touchdowns. The Oregon defense hasn’t had an interception in Pac-12 play and will be looking for one to help spark the struggling offense.
Sunia Tauteoli / Linebacker / Utah
Tauteoli is top 10 in the conference in tackles for loss, and he’ll be able to pin his ears back and attack an Oregon offense that almost only runs the ball. He was absent last week against Arizona State due to illness, but he is expected back, and he’s been an energy boost for the Utah defense all season. He’s tied for the team lead in tackles, and he had 11 total tackles against Stanford’s Bryce Love. He’ll play an important part in stopping Oregon and Royce Freeman.
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