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Oregon Football: 3 bold predictions for opener vs. Fresno State

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon's Johnny Johnson III (3) yells as he takes the field to play Iowa State during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona RepublicNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon's Johnny Johnson III (3) yells as he takes the field to play Iowa State during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona RepublicNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State /
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Nov 14, 2020; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell (7) is tackled by Washington State Cougars defensive back Pat Nunn (0) in the second half at Martin Stadium. Oregon won 43-29. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell (7) is tackled by Washington State Cougars defensive back Pat Nunn (0) in the second half at Martin Stadium. Oregon won 43-29. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. CJ Verdell, Travis Dye combine for 200 yards

CJ Verdell and Travis Dye were listed as co-starters on the first depth chart released earlier this week by Mario Cristobal. This didn’t come as much of a surprise given the fact that both are expected to shoulder the load in the backfield this season and neither has pulled away as RB1.

I think Verdell will ultimately get the bulk of the carries and become that RB1, but on Saturday afternoon, they’ll split those duties and they’ll combine for 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Verdell is going to break the 100-yard mark first, surpassing that total early in the third quarter and Dye won’t be too far behind before they both take a seat throughout the entire fourth quarter so Trey Benson can get his first looks of the season.

I think we’ll see a heavy dose of Benson as well, and I think the Ducks might approach 300 rushing yards against the Bulldogs on Saturday as the passing game will take a back seat — other than Troy Franklin’s big game, obviously.

Not a bad start on the ground for these guys.

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