Oregon Football Spring Game: Sibling Rivalry Could Provide Highlights

Oregon Football will welcome back two of their own as Honorary Captains and a Sibling Rivalry may find some footing on the field Saturday.

The Oregon Football Spring Game is typically a showcase of talent. With players ‘banged up’ this Spring, it will be played in the form of a regular game with Offense vs Defense. No special draft style with key players or coaches representing respective sides. With the emphasis on changing the culture of Oregon Football, two former players will be honorary captains.

On Saturday, Quarterback Marcus Mariota will return to Autzen Stadium. He has been around the last few days helping to mentor the Ducks Quarterbacks, a move that certainly helps push the culture on the field to a more Professional Focus. Mariota has helped lead the Tennessee Titans pushing the team into the NFL Playoffs last year.

Mariota will be the Team Captain for the Offense for the Spring Game.

San Francisco Defensive End DeForest Buckner will also return as the Honorary Captain for the Oregon Defense. Oregon Football took a big step last season under Defensive Coordinator Jim Leavitt. While much of the Defensive scheme won’t be on display Saturday, the speed and talent at skill positions will.

One matchup on the field may be worth keeping an eye on Saturday. Troy Dye became one of the versatile line players last season. He enters 2018 healthy ready for the next challenge. His younger brother Travis Dye is looking to make an impact at Running Back. The true Freshman could be in line to land a spot in the rotation with the departure of Royce Freeman and Kani Benoit.

With the scrimmage being a true Offense vs Defense matchup, the chance that Travis and Troy will meet during a play is increased. Last week in speaking with Head Coach Mario Cristobal, he said that both have a competitive mindset, “I haven’t seen Troy slow down in hitting him and I haven’t seen Travis slow down in trying to get tackled…Off the field, I gotta take a deeper dive into that. I’d like to see who keeps a neater room. I bet it’s Travis.”

Next: Oregon Football Spring Game: New Faces Stand Out

The Spring Game again honors the Military. Oregon Football Kickoff is set for 2 pm Pacific Time at Autzen Stadium.

Quotes obtained firsthand at Oregon Football Practice.