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The Oregon Ducks kick off the 2015 regular season on Saturday against Eastern Washington in one of the more anticipated games of the day, at least for Oregon fans. Former Eastern Washington Quarterback Vernon Adams will take the reigns of the offense from now NFL Starter Marcus Mariota. What is impressive is he has been with the team less than a month and had just several weeks of practice with the team. There will be several new faces this season as well as some returning. One of those new is another Mariota. Matt Mariota will play on the Defensive side of the ball. Another player, former Ty Griffin has decided to switch positions entirely from Quarterback to Cornerback in 2015. He hopes it will lead to more playing time. It will be interesting to watch his development as the season rolls on.
Oregon enters the season with some questions on Defense. Gone are Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Troy Hill. Jordan West and Cooper Kupp are names you will certainly hear on Saturday. It will be up to Rodney Hardrick to lead a young Defensive backfield that includes Ugo Amadi, Ty Griffin, Chris Seisay and Arrion Springs. The Defensive Line will look to Alex Balducci and DeForest Bucker, who had a solid Fall Camp and should be ready to lead the Defense this season. Offensively, Adams will have plenty of weapons to throw to, and a big weapon to hand off to.
Sophomore Royce Freeman returns after a record setting start to his career in 2014. He is bigger and stronger as the season begins and he will again look to run over and through Defenses. His backup may not be so familiar in Kani Benoit. I would also expect Tony Brooks-James to see the field on Saturday. Taj Griffin could also make his debut. If the Defense can clamp down and get to the Quarterback, this should be an Oregon win. If not, it will certainly be entertaining. I do not see Eastern Washington as a cupcake, they have the talent, but I’m not sure they have enough to come in and topple the number seven team in the country.
Kickoff is set for 5pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Networks. AutzenZoo will have Live Coverage starting at 4pm Pacific Time on AutzenZoo.com, as well as on Twitter @KPNWSports. Now, some links as we get closer to the game
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Building The Hype:
- Eagles Look For Upset At Autzen Stadium – AutzenZoo
- Oregon vs Eastern Washington: Three Things I’ll Be Watching
- Oregon Ducks Prepare to Unleash Vernon Adams on His Ex Eastern Washington Teammates -Register Guard
- Bleacher Report Preview: Oregon vs Eastern Washington
- Pac-12 Schedule Breakdown: Oregon Ducks Are Ones To Beat in Pac-12
In The Know:
Weather: Kickoff, 71, Sunny, Light Breeze – Final, 55, Clear and Cool: Would recommend a jacket or blanket for when it gets cooler.
Start time set for 5:07pm Pacific Time TV: Pac-12 Networks Radio: 590 KUGN, 96.1 KZEL(Eugene area)