In Oregon and Virginia’s upcoming gridiron battle, each team is looking to improve to 2-0 on the year with a win. The Ducks are coming off a 66-3 victory over FCS foe Nicholls State in Eugene while the Cavaliers came from behind to defeat BYU 19-16 in Charlotteville, Va.

Players to Watch:

OREGON:

Marcus Mariota – Quarterback – Redshirt Sophomore

Passing season stats: 12-for-21, 234 yards, one TD

Rushing season stats: five carries, 113 yards, two TDs

Mariota is Oregon’s first Heisman hopeful quarterback since Dennis Dixon played in the late 2000′s. He’s a former first team all Pac-12  quarterback and is the unquestioned leader of Oregon’s high-octane offense. He has the potential to take over any game with either his arm or his legs and has proven that he protects the ball.

De’Anthony Thomas – Running back/wide receiver – junior

Season stats: 18 carries, 128 yards, two TDs

What makes Thomas so dangerous is that he can score any time he touches the ball. The season opener was the first time he was the “featured” running back in Oregon’s offense but with the emergence of freshman Thomas Tyner, look for De’Anthony to catch the ball as a wide receiver besides rushing.

Brian Jackson – senior – strong safety

Season stats: three tackles

What makes Jackson so important to the game is that he’s the leader of Oregon’s defense, the last stand for the Ducks. Virginia likes to shift quite a bit, going in motion pre-snap, so it’ll be up to Jackson to make sure the Ducks are lined up properly and know all their keys.

VIRGINIA:

David Watford – quarterback – Ssphomore

Passing Season Stats: 18-for-32, 118 yards, one TD

Rushing Season Stats: 10 carries, 10 yards

It’ll be up to Watford to keep Oregon’s defense in check. The Ducks will blitz often against the young quarterback so Watford will have to make quick and correct reads. He will also have to create with his feet and keep plays alive because Oregon features an athletic defensive line.

Darius Jennings – Junior – Wide Receiver

Season Stats: seven receptions, 62 yards, one TD

Jennings is going to be the key for Virginia’s offense. To be successful, the Cavaliers are going to have to prove they can throw the ball to keep Oregon’s secondary, widely considered the best in the nation, honest. If Jennings can catch a few balls early and keep the Oregon defensive backs on their tails, it’ll open up running lanes for Kevin Parks and Watford.

Eli Harold – sophomore – defensive end

Season Stats: 11 tackles, two sacks

Harold is the key to Virginia’s defense. He uses his great length and height (6-feet-4-inches) to rush the quarterback and obstruct there view to the receivers. He can also bull rush and use all of his 230 lbs to move anyone in his way. If Harold can sow down Oregon’s rushing attack, the Cavaliers will have a chance at pulling off the upset. If Harold isn’t being a nuisance, look for De’Anthony Thomas, Byron Marshall and Marcus Mariota to run wild.