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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 16, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Mykael Wright (2) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Cedric Peterson (18) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Mykael Wright (2) tackles Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Cedric Peterson (18) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The defense holds Fresno State under 300 yards

Fresno State had a heck of an opener against UConn, totaling over 500 yards and 45 points while holding the Huskies scoreless.

Over 530 yards with 383 through the air has to concern Tim DeRuyter as he tries to replace a handful of defensive backs who left for the NFL this past offseason, but he seems to have the pieces in place to hold the Bulldogs in check. Although DJ James and Jamal Hill are suspended for the opener, Dontae Manning, Trickweze Bridges, and Bennett Williams will be able to shoulder the load.

Jake Haener isn’t facing a UConn defense this week, so he’s not going to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns and the run game, which averaged just 4.1 yards per carry against a bad Huskies defense, will be held in check despite having Ronnie Rivers.

Fresno State will have a tough time moving the ball against this motivated Oregon defense as the Ducks get back on track to start the season, looking like a top-10 unit.

The Ducks will hold Fresno State under 300 total yards and really open some eyes.

Next. 3 reasons Oregon will make the playoff in 2021. dark

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