Our Oregon Ducks football program is season-ready, and game week is finally here. It’s time to look at how we’re going to get to 1-0 this Saturday. As Oregon opens at home in Autzen, what are we expecting of this team? What are the keys to starting the season off strong? Mr. FishDuck took some time from his fun at wantedwin casino to ponder the first game of the season with me.
Here are three things to look for in our first practice week leading up to the game, and expectations for the opening weekend of our college football season.
Josh Conerly Jr. and this offensive line are going to be the catalyst of what makes this offense great in a hurry – Photo By Nancy Paiva
Oregon’s offense may sputter, ignite, and launch; all in ONE game
Sputtering might not be the right word, I’ll give you that. But there’s no doubt that this team is going to run into a few growing pains over the course of this 2024-2025 season. Missing throws, blocks, anything can happen with newfound continuity between players. However, this team should pick it up pretty quickly.
And once it gets going – there’s no stopping it. Most of Bo Nix’s last season with the Ducks was just a clinic on offense. The unit as a whole was efficient, had very few penalties, and dominated at the line of scrimmage. Now, with another experienced signal caller in Dillon Gabriel on offense, expect more of the same.
Bassa and the boys are in for a HUGE year on defense -Via GoDucks.com Video
Expect Turnovers/Sacks Forced Early and Often
If there’s anywhere this team massively improved, it’s in the secondary. Players like Jabbar Muhammad and Kam Alexander might not be household names to the average viewer, but they have every reason to be. Oregon upgraded in a huge way on the boundary to enter a conference where they absolutely NEEDED to. Ohio State and co. are going to cause problems for teams all year. Luckily, this group has plenty of time to get to know each other in games like this.
Great coverage downfield funnels down to more sacks, more turnovers, and dominance on both sides of the ball. Oregon’s improvement here could be the difference maker that puts them right in the College Football Playoff conversation, and keep high-powered offenses’ impact to a minimum.
Jordan James is in for a huge year dominating the Big 10.- Photo by Kiffer Creveling
Oregon will score by the boatload, and may give up a few too
Obviously, we’ve all etched this in as a game for the Ducks to get the offense in rhythm, see Gabriel lead the team, and dominate at home to build early momentum for the season.
Having said that, there are several new faces on offense, and defense too. Can’t expect a perfect outting just yet. Cornerbacks, edge rushers, receivers, even special teams; everyone has to get on the same page in a hurry. Let’s see the Ducks have a great week of practice, a great day in Autzen, and a great start to a historic season.
Anyway – enough from me, Oregon fans. How do you think the Ducks will fair in their opening matchup of the season? Who flashes on offense and defense? What are you looking forward to seeing most? Let us know in the FishDuck Forum with decorum.
Go Ducks!
Alex Heining
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo By: Eugene Johnson
Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.