After the win last weekend over Cal with a less than perfect Offfense, the Oregon Football team showed their true strength with their run game, but will have to step up in other areas vs Washington State.
Running Back Royce Freeman got the game going early before leaving with an injury and Tony Brooks-James along with Kani Benoit made things look easy against the California Golden Bears in the second half. The Ducks lost three key players in three consecutive series, including Quarterback Justin Herbert. The Ducks Sophomore Signal Caller will be out for four to six weeks with a fractured collarbone.
Oregon Offense Could Get A Shot In The Arm
So where does that leave the Offense? It is not as bad as it could be. There is a high likelihood that Wide Receiver Charles Nelson will return against Washington State. This is the first things I will be looking out for.
Nelson is the Ducks most experienced Wide Receiver and has the speed to spread the field and make a big impact. He was seen outside the Hatfield Dowlin Complex on Tuesday without a walking boot, but he was not seen on the field during drills.
Starting QB Is Obvious To Me
While many think the big question is who will start at Quarterback for Oregon Football, for me there is no question. In watching Freshman Braxton Burmeister this week, he should get the start, if not playing time, against the Cougars. His skill set matches best with what Oregon is trying to do. He can use his arm, but also his legs.
Burmeister came in for the waning moments against Cal and did not look good. He threw an interception, but his passes in practice this week were tight and targeted, and for the most part caught by the Wide Receivers. While some will remember another Freshman who started their first game last year against another Washington School, the outcome today should tell a different tale.
The Oregon Football Defense is better. In fact, they are getting better each game this season. Jalen Jelks has shown he can get away on the inside to force and errant throw or sack the Quarterback. Troy Dye picked up where he left off last season and is making plays all over the field. The big test on Saturday will be for the Oregon Secondary and with a playmaker like Thomas Graham Jr patrolling the outside, it could be a good day for the Ducks.
Next: Big Recruiting Weekend Starts With Commit From 2018 QB?
Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 4pm Pacific Time. Oregon and Washington State kickoff a 5 pm PT on FOX.