Oregon Football: 3 bold predictions for battle with No. 3 Ohio State
![Oregon's Kris Hutson, left, and CJ Verdell celebrate Verdell's touchdown against Fresno State during the first quarter.Eug 090421 Duckfb 09 Oregon's Kris Hutson, left, and CJ Verdell celebrate Verdell's touchdown against Fresno State during the first quarter.Eug 090421 Duckfb 09](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fa6523d820f11094b0e4b256c960a045b2709f48d9a8e75bed5681530889b4e3.jpg)
2. Oregon out-rushes Ohio State
Against Minnesota, Ohio State put up an impressive 201 rushing yards and gave up 203 to Minnesota but Mohamed Ibrahim’s injury prevented the Golden Gophers from putting up more.
Like Minnesota, though, Oregon has a couple of capable backs who have the ability to rush for 1,000-plus yards in a single season in CJ Verdell and Travis Dye. The Ducks have one of the better backfields Ohio State will see this season and while they weren’t all that effective in the opener against Fresno State, I could see them carrying Oregon’s offense on Saturday.
Miyan Williams is a guy to keep an eye on for Ohio State but if Kayvon Thibodeaux is healthy, I think Oregon’s defensive front makes enough stops to keep him in check. Master Teague is another running back who could cause problems but he was quiet against Minnesota.
Verdell and Dye are going to lead the way as Oregon out-rushes Ohio State and Anthony Brown will cause some problems on the ground for the Buckeyes as well.
I think Oregon approaches 200 yards while Ohio State is at about 150 when all is said and done.