Oregon stumbled their way to a win in last year's opener against Idaho. The offense, especially the offensive line played their worst football of the season, and the defense slipped up against trick plays from deep in the Vandals' bag.
Although a consensus top ten team in the nation, Dan Lanning's Ducks have a lot of questions to answer, with transfers incoming, and young, unproven players in important positions.
Montana State has its flaws as well, losing some key players to the portal, some to the NFL, and will have unproven players across their depth chart as well.
It is an objective fact that Oregon completely outtalents, out-sizes, and out-coaches Montana State. These players are where they are for a reasonHowever, Montana State is talented and Oregon will need to "push the right buttons" to exploit this team especially if the Ducks start slow yet again.
1) "Enough with the trick plays Bert, run the dang ball"
Whether it is Austin Novosad or Dante Moore behind center to open the season, they will need time to settle in. Nothing eases the mind of a quarterback like setting up easy second downs, or consistently getting first downs on the ground. Let the QB settle into the game, and rely on the run game.
Makhi Hughes, Noah Whittington, Dink Riggs and company will be running behind monsters up front. If you average out the weights of Iapani Laloulu, Matthew Bedford, Alex Harkey, Gernorris Wilson, Isaiah World, and Emmanuel Pregnon, you get 319 pounds. They are all very talented, capable run blockers. Let them do their thing with experienced backs running behind them.
Even with Montana State returning all conference selections DT Paul Brott and DE Kenneith Eiden IV, Oregon should be able to get it done on the ground.
2) Get Sadiq and Dakorien Moore in space
Kenyon Sadiq and Dakorien Moore are expected to be two of Oregon's best offensive weapons this season. One of Will Stein's best strengths as an offensive mind and playcaller is using motion to get his "studs" in space, and in advantageous matchups. Think Tez Johnson running routes out of the backfield, or flexing Terrance Ferguson out to the slot to get him on a smaller corner.
Whether it is through the screen pass, jet sweeps, or any other form of easy completion, get these two the ball. One of the most important parts of Will Stein's coaching philosophy is to "feed the studs."
Dakorien Moore and Kenyon Sadiq are the "studs" this year for the Ducks, and they should get a very healthy percentage of the target share.
According to Timothy Rosario of Sports Illustrated, "The secondary is the biggest defensive question mark for the Bobcats. All the starters have moved on, creating a major unknown as multiple new players will have to thrive in expanded roles." Although I would like to see Oregon prioritize the run on Saturday, stretching the field vertically and getting the ball to your best players through the air is still crucial.
3) Stop the Run
It's early in the season, so the keys to victory are simple. Montana State is set to have a dominant offensive line, a strong list of running backs, and questions at QB. Just like Oregon, the Bobcats will want to run the ball in order to set the tone and ease a new QB into action.
It will all start up front, with USC transfer Bear Alexander and new starter A'Mauri Washington leading the way on the interior. Behind them, experienced Bryce Boettcher and Devon Jackson will need to fill holes and make plays in order to keep the ground game contained.
The defense has struggled in big spots agains the run, especially last season. Though Montana State is a lesser opponent with lesser backs than the 2024 editions of Boise State, Penn State, and Ohio State, it won't be easy. Keep the defense off the field and let the offense cook.