One week away from the season opener, Oregon head football coach Mark Helfrich says the team is practicing in “game week mode” in preparation for Nicholls State.

“We’re definitely in game week mode,” Helfrich said. “Everybody’s out there simulating their offense and defense as best as you can predict. You can always look at their previous film and kind of know what their coaches have done in the past. I’m sure they’ve tweaked and adjusted just like we’ve tweaked and adjusted over the summer. There will be some newness.”

Helfrich said the Colonels provide some difference in terms of game strategy.

“They’re different,” Helfrich said. “They’re kind of similar to our defense in some ways… but different than anything else we’ve played from a schematic standpoint.” Nicholls State plays in the Southland Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Helfrich said the Nicholls State offense leaves some unknowns, especially at quarterback.

“[Their offense is] conventional in terms of formations and some of the stuff they do. They did a bunch of quarterback run stuff last year and that’s an unknown as to excatly what the quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses are.” Last year’s starting quarterback Landry Klann underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and is expected to be replaced by junior Beaux Hebert.

Helfrich alluded to some depth chart placements, and which freshmen will be getting redshirted and who will play this upcoming season for the Ducks.

Expected to redshirt: Darren Carrington (WR), Elijah George (OL), Doug Brenner (OL), Evan Voeller (OL), Devon Allen (WR), Jake Pisarcik (OL), Cameron Hunt (OL), Tyree Robinson (DB), Chris Seisay (DB), Juwaan Williams (DB), Damion Hobbs (QB), Taylor Alie (QB).

Expected to play: Johnny Mundt (TE), Tyrell Robinson (LB), Torrodney Prevot (LB), Matt Wogan (K), Thomas Tyner (RB)

Running back Kani Benoit is in what Helfrich called a “grey area.”

“Kani’s a grey area. We’d like to redshirt him, but I don’t know.”

Helfrich said Alejandro Maldonado will have punting duties, but the battle for starting kicker is ongoing.

Guards Hamani Stevens and Mana Greig are expected to start, and Helfrich said Everett Benyard and Andre Yruretagoyena will see significant playing time as well.

Helfrich will release a depth chart Monday.