The Oregon Ducks head into the weekend looking to carry the momentum from the upset win over Northwestern into Columbus as Dan Lanning's team takes on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The College Football Playoff committee ranked the Ducks 23rd in their first rankings reveal, and now the game carries real stakes, especially with the Big Ten race in flux.
This isn't the superteam everyone expected Oregon to be facing entering the season with Julian Sayin out, but Ohio State fans could say the same with Dante Moore's injury. Given how equal these rosters are, especially with quarterback questions, 5 players could end up swinging this key matchup in the CFP race.
5 X-Factors who could determine Oregon's fate against Ohio State
Dylan Raiola - Quarterback
Every Oregon game the rest of the way will be decided by what version of Dylan Raiola the Ducks get, and on Saturday, Dan Lanning and his staff need another stellar outing. Raiola turned in the best performance of his career last weekend, completing 22 of 31 passes for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns, sparking the offense to a great showing. Ohio State's defense will make you pay for mistakes, and the Ducks just need Raiola to play point guard and find his star studded receiving core.
Na'eem Offord - Cornerback
No one may have more critics to silence in this game against the Buckeyes than starting cornerback Na'eem Offord. During Offord's initial recruitment, he was committed to Ohio State until he flipped to the Ducks, and ever since that moment, Buckeyes fans have loved to track his performances. Slowing Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State's elite wide receivers would be the ultimate way to stick it to them, and he'll have the golden opportunity to get the last laugh next week.
Ify Obidegwu - Cornerback
Quietly, Ify Obidegwu has been the star of the Oregon defense with just 9 catches allowed this season. This weekend, the Ducks' cornerbacks are going to face their toughest challenge yet, facing Jeremiah Smith and this loaded wide receiver room. If Obidegwu can continue his elite level of play, it's going to be hard for the Buckeyes to find a path to victory.
A'Mauri Washington - Defensive Tackle
Luke Fahey is notably smaller for the quarterback position, measuring in at 5-foot-11, but he looks even smaller than that next to his teammates. The Oregon defensive line has been great at batting down passes, especially A'Mauri Washington, who leads the Ducks with 4, according to PFF. Pressuring Fahey is going to be key, and if Washington can disrupt plays in the middle it'll help limit the Buckeyes' explosive plays.
Brandon Smith - Running Back
The Oregon Ducks will be without starting running back Jordon Davison on Saturday due to an injury suffered in the Northwestern game. In that game, true freshman Brandon Smith came to the rescue with 82 yards and a touchdown on just 8 carries. After the most impressive game of his young career, Smith is going to have to play at a high level again to help take pressure off Dylan Raiola and the passing attack.
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