Don Pellum and his defense need to step up in order to defeat No. 5 Michigan State on Saturday.

Pellum expressed satisfaction with the team’s focus in practice this week, and said this was one of the best three practices of the season so far. Watch below.

Running backs coach Gary Campbell is hoping his deep backfield — featuring Royce Freeman, Kani Benoit, Tony Brooks-James and Taj Griffin — will shake a sturdy Michigan State defense.

Royce Freeman will strive to replicate his impressive performance against Eastern Washington (180 yards, three touchdowns). The strong Spartan defense will be a good test for Freeman and the rest of the running back corps.

The Oregon Ducks play the Michigan State Spartans on Sept. 12, 2015 in East Lansing, Mich.

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Senior transfers Matt Hegarty and Vernon Adams spoke to the media for the first time on Monday, in preparation for Michigan State.

Vernon Adams said he thought he played “conservative” against Eastern Washington, which begs the question: How will he improve and impress in game two?

The Oregon Ducks play the Michigan State Spartans on Sept. 12, 2015 in East Lansing, Michigan.

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Head coach Mark Helfrich addressed the media on Tuesday regarding the Ducks’ preparation for their first game of the season against Eastern Washington University, Saturday.

Coach Helfrich commends the defense for its energy and effort, and is confident Vernon Adams will play against his former team at a high level. Watch and listen below.

Head coach Mark Helfrich addressed the media on Tuesday regarding the Ducks’ preparation for their first game of the season against Eastern Washington University, Saturday.

Coach Helfrich commends the defense for its energy and effort, and is confident Vernon Adams will play against his former team at a high level. Watch and listen below.

Game week is upon us, as Oregon prepares for the season opener against Eastern Washington University this Saturday at 5 p.m..

Vernon Adams was named the starting quarterback for the Ducks over Jeff Lockie, Taylor Alie, Morgan Mahalak and Travis Jonsen. Offensive coordinator Scott Frost said he is confident in the quarterbacks listed on the depth chart — Vernon Adams, Jeff Lockie and Taylor Alie — to get the job done, but is impressed with Adams’ progression thus far, hoping his improvement continues throughout the season.

Oregon women’s soccer took the field on an overcast Sunday afternoon with hopes of winning their first game of the season.

After a hard fought first half against the Fresno State Bulldogs, the Ducks caught a break and scored late to seal a win. Their next game is Friday Sept. 4, in Raleigh North Carolina against North Carolina State.

The Ducks played Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Ashlee Schulz dribbles the ball through Fresno State defenders at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Kira Wagoner (#13) runs down the ball against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Brooke Strawn (#19) and a Fresno State defender look on as the Ducks attempt a corner kick against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Mia Costa (#29) reaches with her legs for the ball against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Kira Wagoner gets tangled up against Fresno State players at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Kira Wagoner gets tangled up against Fresno State players at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Taylor Kuroda scores a goal against against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Kira Wagoner (#13) celebrates with Taylor Kuroda (#9) after a goal against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Miranda Schulz (#7) and Ashlee Schulz (#2) run toward the stands in appreciation after their first win against Fresno State at Papé Field on Aug. 30, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

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Mark Helfrich explains why he chose Vernon Adams Jr. over Jeff Lockie for the starting quarterback position, and Royce Freeman expresses excitement for the first game of the 2015-2016 season.

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The Eugene Emeralds took on the Spokane Indians Thursday night, donning unusual uniforms that paid tribute to Portland’s unique style.

With their 2-1 victory over Spokane, the Em’s ride a 4-game winning streak.

The Eugene Emeralds sporting flannel and denim uniforms against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

A Eugene Emeralds player takes off to first base against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Fans fill a nearly sold out PK Park against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

A pitcher throws against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Andrew Ely slides home against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Joe Palumbo pitching against the Eugene Emeralds on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Adonis Paula celebrates his home run with teammates on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

A Eugene Emeralds player bats against the Spokane Indians on “Portlandia Night,” Aug. 27, 2015. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

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The Ducks scrimmaged on Thursday, and Jeff Lockie said wants to improve upon the many penalties called.

He also praised running back Taj Griffin, saying he looked “scary”

Scott Frost talks about Vernon Adams, saying his head was spinning for a couple days during fall camp. Watch below: