The Boise State game is now in the past for the Oregon Ducks as Dan Lanning and the staff turn the page to the matchup with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. While Oregon escaped the Boise State game with a win and a learning lesson, Oklahoma State suffered the opposite fate, falling in the first game of the season to Tulsa in a massive letdown after all the excitement of the offseason.
While Oklahoma State lost the season opener to Tulsa, this is still going to be a tough test for the Ducks. Going on the road to face a Power 4 opponent is never easy, and Eric Morris’ offense can create issues for the best defenses. If Oregon is going to handle business in Week 2, it’s going to take standout performances from 3 of the Ducks’ biggest stars.
The 3 X-Factors that will decide Oregon’s fate against Oklahoma State
Brandon Finney Jr - Cornerback
If Oklahoma State is going to put a scare into the Ducks’ it’s going to be because Drew Mestemaker and Wyatt Young find a rhythm in the passing attack. Brandon Finney Jr was targeted the most out of any Oregon defensive back in the opener, allowing 4 catches for 54 yards. The Ducks are going to be facing a pass heavy offense, and Oregon is going to need to get the best from Brandon Finney Jr to help slow the Cowboys’ offense.
Jeremiah McClellan - Wide Receiver
When the Ducks were struggling to find offense early, it was Jeremiah McClellan who started winning consistently. McClellan posted a career high 150 yards on 6 catches with a touchdown, and if not for an underthrow by Evan Stewart and an overthrow by Dante Moore it could’ve been even more. McClellan looks like he could emerge as the Ducks’ true WR1, and the starting point for earning that status is stacking back-to-back great performances.
Koi Perich - Safety
If Oklahoma State is going to turn this into a game, the easiest way for the Cowboys to put pressure on the Ducks is by turning this game into a shootout. Oregon needs to limit Oklahoma State’s explosive plays, and the safety play is going to be crucial in this matchup. Aside from getting beat by a bigger tight end in the endzone, Koi Perich lived up to the hype in Week 1, and he’ll need to be excellent in coverage for the Ducks to pull away in this matchup.
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