Coming off a loss to UCLA which drops the Ducks to 3-2 on the season, it's now do-or-die the rest of the way for Oregon. This weekend brings another tough clash as Nebraska makes the trip to Eugene, fresh off pushing the defending champions to the brink in an impressive loss for Matt Rhule's program. At full strength Oregon would be in for a battle, and with all the injuries that have stacked up, Dan Lanning is really digging deep into the depth chart.
The Ducks are going to need the stars that are healthy to step up if the team is going to leave Saturday Night's clash with a win. Heading into the game, 5 Ducks are potential X-Factors that could swing the game in Oregon's favor.
The 5 Oregon Ducks who could prove pivotal vs. Nebraska
Jordon Davison - Running Back
While Dan Lanning hasn't named a starting quarterback for Saturday Night, the Ducks offense would get a massive lift if the running game started to find a rhythm. Over the first two games of Big Ten play, Jordon Davison has had 29 carries for just 107 yards, averaging just 3.69 yards per carry. The Ducks are still looking for their first 100 yard rushing performance, and it would take a ton of pressure off whoever starts at quarterback.
Jamari Johnson - Tight End
Drew Mehringer's biggest flaw at the moment is the fact that he's not finding a way to get his biggest playmakers involved in the game. Jamari Johnson waited until the 57th minute of the UCLA game to get his first target, which is unacceptable. Getting Johnson involved early is going to be a priority, and he's going to need to make the most out of his targets.
Dakorien Moore - Wide Receiver
Dakorien Moore continues to do more with less as he led the team with 77 yards on just 4 catches. The quarterbacks would have life made much easier on themselves if Drew Mehringer designed touches for Moore, as he's electric after the catch. There may not be a more talented player on the team than Moore, and it's time for the staff to start using him like every other school uses their star wideouts. If Evan Stewart is ruled out for the game, Moore is going to be the elder statesman in the room, and will have to take pressure off the freshmen.
Na'eem Offord - Cornerback
Oregon's defense wasn't the issue vs. UCLA, but Na'eem Offord did get beat on the opening drive for a 62 yard gain while allowing 2 catches for 88 yards on the day. Nebraska star wide receiver Jacorey Barney lines up the most on the outside, meaning Offord is going to draw that matchup often. The Ducks can't afford to let Barney beat them in this game, and Na'eem Offord is going to have to do his best to make a big impact.
Matayo Uiagalelei - Edge Rusher
Part of the reason Oregon was even in the UCLA game despite the offense's struggles was the dominance of the Ducks' defensive line. Matayo Uiagalelei played his best game of the season with 7 tackles and a pair of sacks against the Bruins. Hopefully, the UCLA game serves as the start of a hot streak for Uiagalelei, as the defense is going to need to step up the rest of the way until Dante Moore returns.
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