Oregon Football: Tennessee Tech Preview and Predictions

It’s always hard to get motivated for a matchup against an FCS opponent. Tennessee Tech is on the better side of the list that mostly gets battered down by FBS foes. Still, this game will likely be about what Oregon works on as it tries to heal up quickly before the Pac-12 season begins.

Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) jumps over Oregon Ducks safety John Boyett (20) for a 13-yard gain during the second half in the 2012 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The Golden Eagles wrap up a super soft three-game slate for the Ducks. It was filled with plenty of surprises, including some awfully played third quarters by the Oregon offense, and a game that way too close against Fresno State, but barring any more surprises this one should be a slide for the Ducks.

They just hope no more impactful injuries take place. Already John Boyett and Carson York are out for the season, and both players were leaders on the defense and offense, respectively.

It’s unfortunate that fans could have geared up for a much better matchup on Saturday. Kansas State was originally scheduled to play Oregon years ago, but with conference movement and the Big 12 adapting to a nine-game conference rotation, the Wildcats had to pull out of the deal.

There are a couple things to keep on an eye on in this game even if it becomes one-sided. Tennessee Tech runs a similar hurry-up style offense that Oregon runs. A real threat is Da’Rick Rodgers, a wide receiver who transferred from Tennessee due to failing drug tests and had some issues in the locker room. Since the move, he’s started on better terms with his second chance.

So, the Ducks’ defense at least will have some work cut out for them. They certainly need it; currently the team on total defense is ranked 94th overall – that’s tied with Washington State. A major reason is due to giving up so many yards on defense in the second half of these blowouts.

Unless Oregon’s offense comes out completely flat, Tennessee Tech forces turnovers and makes no mistakes, and a little bit of luck happens for the Golden Eagles, this should be a walk. But what’s more important is how the defense plays for the whole 60 minutes, and try to get out unscathed unlike previous weeks.

Final score prediction: Oregon Ducks 49, Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 10

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo. See his banter with other FanSided writers and love for his favorite west coast professional teams by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Lacrosse the Web.