Every week during football season, our sports staff will discuss different aspects of an upcoming game. Today, sports reporters Hayden Kim, Madison Guernsey and Ryan Kostecka discuss the Oregon and Tennessee game.
1) What will the score be?
Madison Guernsey: Oregon’s offense is slowed half a step by Tennessee but still puts up plenty of points, 48 to be exact, as they double up the Vols 48-24. Tennessee’s offense is the best the Ducks have seen yet and musters four scores, but it’s not nearly enough to top Oregon, who improves to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 all-time against the Volunteers.
Hayden Kim: The Tennessee defense will come out of the gates and get an early jump on the Ducks. But after a short adjustment period, in which the Ducks will get acclimated to the speed and quickness of the Volunteer defense, the Ducks will take the early lead and continue to add on to it for an eventual 46-20 victory.
Ryan Kostecka: Although the coaches and players of Oregon are saying it’s just another faceless opponent and not an SEC team, I have a hard time believing there isn’t an extra drive inside of them to really pound the Volunteers and the SEC. I think the Ducks don’t let off the gas petal at all, Helfrich introduces the Ducks as true national title contenders and Oregon wins 62-17.
How many Vols fans will fill up Autzen?
Madison Guernsey: Expect a loud, proud, orange cheering section representing Tennessee on Saturday. There may be over 2,500 miles separating Knoxville and Eugene, but that won’t stop thousand of orange and white checkered faithful from filling up the visiting fans section at Autzen Stadium.
Hayden Kim: Volunteer fans fill up Neyland Stadium (102,455) on a weekly basis and will presumably bring their fair share of fans to Autzen this Saturday. But while the signature Tennessee orange will stick out like a sore thumb, it will appear there are more fans than there actually is. Don’t expect to see more than the usual visitor attendance with over 2,500 miles separating the two teams.
Ryan Kostecka: Everyone in the country knows that football lives in SEC country, well everybody but fans in the Pac-12. In the SEC, Tennessee in particular, fans travel really well but I’m thinking the Oregon fans show up in droves like last year’s Stanford game. Apart from the one section designated for the Volunteer faithful, Tennessee fans will be spread out throughout the stadium and barely recognizable.
What is the biggest threat for the Ducks on Saturday?
Madison Guernsey: The biggest threat facing the Ducks will be Tennessee’s athleticism. Their speed, size and overall athletic talent on both sides of the ball and special teams will be far superior to anything Oregon has seen this year and will be a true test. Both lines are massive and quick, the linebackers are aggressive and the secondary is full of ball hawks.
Hayden Kim: After forcing an astonishing seven turnovers against Western Kentucky this past Saturday, the Volunteer defense will be looking to shut down the high-paced Oregon offense. There may not be a defense in the country that is fast enough to stop the Ducks, but don’t be surprised if the Volunteer defense finds a way to slow them down, especially early in the game. The matchup to watch for will be between the athletic Tennessee defense and the speedy Oregon wide receivers.
Ryan Kostecka: Oregon’s biggest threat against Tennessee will be their conditioning, particularly those of the offensive lineman. Tennessee has a massive defensive line who will be tough to move but as the game wears on and the temperature rises, look for Oregon to push the tempo more (yes it’s possible) and really start shoving the Tennessee big boys around. Oregon’s conditioning is what’s going to make this game a run away for the Ducks.
What will be the biggest surprise Saturday?
Madison Guernsey: The biggest surprise Saturday will be a lower yardage total in the rushing department. Oregon typically runs the ball upwards of 40 times per game, easily eclipsing 300 yards.
Hayden Kim: The biggest surprise this Saturday will be the performance of quarterback Justin Worley. Against Western Kentucky, Worley recorded 142 yards on 11-19 passing, a touchdown and an interception. While Worley’s numbers may not necessarily stand out, he will be the first pocket passer the Ducks will face this season, making for an intriguing matchup.
Ryan Kostecka: The biggest surprise on Saturday will have nothing to do with the Oregon-Tennessee game. The biggest surprise is going to be Cal’s victory over Ohio State in Berkeley. True freshman Jared Goff is going to light up a depleted Buckeye secondary and shock the nation. A huge victory for the Pac-12 over the No. 3 team in the nation, a guy can dream can’t he?