The non conference game of the year has arrived. Michigan State and Quarterback Connor Cook take on Oregon and Marcus Mariota. There is a lot to watch in this game, but I am going to start with an obvious one. Temperatures at kickoff are expected to be hovering around the ninety-five degree mark. That’s the air temperature – on the field it will be more like one-hundred thirty degrees. The team that can remain hydrated, specifically up front and in the trenches will have the better chance on Saturday.
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Oregon’s Three Headed Monster vs Touted Michigan State Defense
Oregon has added another element in Freshman Royce Freeman to an already talented backfield including Thomas Tyner and Byron Marshall. Tyner scored two touchdowns last week, and Marshall had one. Last week the Spartans gave up twenty two yards on the ground in total. Something has to give today and I would expect that Oregon speed and Autzen noise will play a key factor in the outcome of how well the Oregon Ducks ground game performs today.
Stamina and Strength Could Be a Big Factor Saturday
Over the last few seasons, the Oregon Ducks have had a cupcake non conference schedule, which had had an advantage for the team. For the most part the key players that would see the field would have the chance to get on it and earn some valuable experience. The downside is it would allow staters time to be on the sidelines for, in some cases, two or three quarters. In the early season test with Michigan State both the Ducks and Spartans will have to deal with the issue of stamina, but it is an even battle. Rotationally speaking both teams have the talent to get onto the field, but with young players there is a mistake bound to be made. That bears watching today.
Oregon is 34-2 at Home Over Last Four Years Thanks to Key Home Field Advantage
Entering the game the Michigan State Spartans are a thirteen point underdog, and they are on the road. The Oregon Ducks are closing in on one-hundred consecutive sellouts at Autzen Stadium and the Oregon Ducks Star Power and plenty of former players should be on hand today, meaning loud cheers from the crowd in between possessions, not to mention the already sixty thousand plus that will be vocally ready for the Spartans when they are on offense. Noise is one of the key factors in why Oregon over the last five years has thirty four wins at home. If you are not a fan of noise, bring the earplugs and the sunscreen today.
AutzenZoo will have a LIVE Twitter Stream for today’s game on AutzenZoo.com and will also be providing multimedia updates with EugeneDailyNews using the #EDNSports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Oregon and Michigan State kickoff Saturday at 3:30pm Pacific Time on FOX.