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Oregon Football: Three Things To Watch vs Auburn Tigers

By Justin Phillips

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 3: Wide receiver Seth Williams #18 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with wide receiver Anthony Schwartz #5 of the Auburn Tigers after scoring the game winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 3 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 3: Wide receiver Seth Williams #18 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with wide receiver Anthony Schwartz #5 of the Auburn Tigers after scoring the game winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 3 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Quarterback, Offensive Line, and Special Teams will all be under watchful eyes on Saturday vs Auburn.

In one of the more intriguing matchups in Week 1, Oregon Football travels to Dallas to meet the Auburn Tigers. Quarterback play will be the key to the game, but here are the three things I will be watching as the Oregon Ducks open the 2019 season.

Justin Herbert vs Bo Nix

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Quarterback Justin Herbert had his first game against the Washington Huskies four seasons ago and we all know how that went. Bo Nix enters his first season as the Starter with Auburn and has the skills to both run and pass. He was the top-rated dual-threat signal-caller in the nation in his recruiting class and threw for over 3000 yards in high school.

Both will be looking to prove themselves on Saturday, but Herbert has more to play for. Entering the season, he could be a first round NFL Draft selection, and he returned to Oregon finally out of the shadow of former Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. This is his team. The team is playing for him, not with him and everyone understands their respective roles.

For Bo Nix, chemistry and composure early will be key. The Oregon Defense will look to force him into mistakes in the hope that the Ducks Offense can help with an early lead to take some of the pressure off.

The Trenches Will Be The Place To Be

While Oregon Football Head Coach Mario Cristobal has a main focus on the Offensive Line, the Ducks enter the season with one of the most experienced lines in the nation with starting experience across all positions.

The Auburn Defensive Line may be the best in college football on paper. The Oregon Football Defensive Line is good on paper, but one will buckle today. Both teams have experience at key positions. Both will have NFL Drafted players in the upcoming NFL Draft.

According to College Football Matrix, both Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn and Oregon Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos both have an average B Grade when it comes to Coach Effect. This matchup is the one that will have NFL scouts salivating the most.

Oregon Football Special Teams Has Speed

Last night, a Freshman made a 60+ yard kick for Nevada to win over Purdue. His name is Brandon Talton. Following the win, he was given a scholarship.

Oregon Football had had a solid list of kickers, but enter the season with one of the best in Adam Stack. While the Ducks Offense does not usually do much in the way of kicking field goals, Stack was the best in the nation as a recruit and has the experience for a big moment, if he is called upon.

Kick returners and punt returners for Oregon Football include players with speed in Jaylon Redd, Travis Dye, and Jevon Holland.

Oregon Football meets Auburn Saturday at 3:30 pm Pacific Time on ABC.

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