Five bold predictions for Oklahoma State at Oregon

Mike Gundy poked the bear. It's about to go down in Autzen Stadium.

1. Matayo Uiagalelei will have two more sacks

Uiagalelei started his assault on the Oregon record book with two sacks against Montana State, two quarterback hurries and a batted pass.

Matched up against redshirt freshmen tackle Nuku Mafi, who is making his second start for the Cowboys, Uiagalelei should feast. The Cowboys had trouble running the football against UT-Martin and want to take deep shots, so the combination of obvious passing situations and a favorable matchup should get Young Concrete to the quarterback.

The only fly in the All-American ointment is that Uiagalelei's snap count will be low, somewhere around 30. The Ducks will again exercise a high degree of game control in this one, allowing them to take an extended look at a deep room of above-the-line edge rushers. Elijah Rushing, Blake Purchase, Nasir Wyatt and Tobi Haastrup will get some of the pass rushing opportunities that No. 10 would ordinarily exploit.

2. Makhi Hughes will have more than five carries

The Ducks will continue to employ their deep running back rotation and distribute touches, but Hughes is a weapon and they need to get him in game shape as well. While no one will have more than 10 in a contest where the Ducks are favored by 28.5, Hughes will at least get a couple of series and the opportunity to show his burst and tackle-breaking ability.

3. Dakorien Moore has at least one chunk reception

In Game One the Ducks focused on efficiency and versatility in the passing game, getting Dante Moore in a rhythm with possession throws, concentrating on taking what the defense gave him. He was accurate and made a deft check against the blitz for a big play, hitting an uncovered Jay Harris for a 50-yard gain, connecting with Malik Hughes on a crisp slant route for a TD.

Dante Moore hit out routes to both sidelines and was on time and accurate for 18-23 passing while targeting Dakorien three times, all successful. The 5-star wideout earned more touches with his effort in run blocking.

The Ducks will still keep the Duncanville, Texas speedster under wraps a bit, but Moore-to-Moore will connect on one deeper route for at least 20 yards, maybe on the first play of the game. Just a little message to Mike Gundy not to poke the bear: We can score anytime we want.

4. Bryce Boettcher has more than five tackles

With Oregon's defensive line dominating in the opener Boettcher was quiet, chipping in just three tackles in the opener. He was in position and filled his gaps, but often the play didn't get to him: Oregon held MSU running backs Adam Jones and Julius Davis to 31 yards on 14 carries.

The Pokes' Kalib Hicks, Sesi Vailahi and Freddie Brock IV carried the ball 33 times in their opener for 78 yards, plus they threw underneath to slot receiver Gavin Freeman five times for 46 yards. After the success Taco Dowler had running crossing routes, that portion of the defense will be tested early by OSU.

It all spells out to more opportunities for Boettcher and the linebacker group.

5. Oregon wins decisively

It may not be the blowout Montana State was, but after the midweek kerfuffle over roster spending (largely an NIL tempest in a revenue teapot, but useful as bulletin board material) the Ducks will be focused and efficient. They should be able to shut down the Cowboy offense for the most part, but Gundy's group does have some size and speed at wideout-- there's likely to be a coverage bust or two with the Ducks playing so many young DBs.

Prediction: Oregon 42, Montana State 14, with a late touchdown by Oklahoma State putting the Ducks just under the number.

Read More: