FanPost

Previewing MSU's Opponents: Oregon (Week 2)

We are now within 40 days of the college football season beginning. While 2013 was one of MSU's most successful seasons ever, it is time to turn the page and start getting prepared for 2014. One way I'm going to try to help us get prepared for 2014 is by previewing all 12 (which we hope to be 14 or 15) games this season. Next up is the Ducks of Oregon.

Oregon-ducks_medium

via www.playersview.net

School: Oregon Ducks
All-Time Series Record: 2-2 (Last met in 1999; MSU 27, Oregon 20)

2013 Result: 11-2 (7-2 in Pac-12); Beat Texas in Alamo Bowl
Head Coach:
Mark Helfrich (2nd season, 11-2 at Oregon and in career)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 5 defense, 2 specialists)
Fun Facts: Despite the program beginning in 1894 and being apart of a conference since 1916, they didn't win their first conference title outright until 1994 … their "Civil War" rivalry game with Oregon State is the 7th oldest in the FBS … they are 15-25 all time against Big 10 schools (while they were apart of the Big 10) … Notable Alumni: Dan Fouts, June Jones, Haloti Ngata, Norv Turner, Gary Zimmerman

Overview: Oregon's been a consistent power for the last two decades, and we know what we'll be seeing from them. What that is is simple: speed. They are going to go fast, and they are going to try to break off a big play whenever the opportunity presents itself. If MSU falls behind 10-14 points early, watch out. This offense, lead by Heisman contending QB Marcus Mariota, can turn this one into a blowout quickly if MSU isn't careful.

While DeAnthony Thomas, Josh Huff, Daryle Hawkins, and Bralon Addison won't be on the field for one reason or another, Oregon does return all five of it's offensive linemen. It's always nice to have playmakers return, but Oregon always seems capable of throwing guys at RB or WR that will produce. Whether it's LaMichael James, LeGarrette Blount, or DeAnthony Thomas, Oregon just seems to know where the studs are. I have no doubts they have studs behind the guys listed above that were just waiting for touches. For offensive linemen, though, continuity is key. Having all 5 guys return that played an extended amount of time together the previous year is a huge advantage.

Defensively Oregon doesn't have the same reputation as a MSU or Stanford, but they do feature some pretty good athletes on that side of the ball as well. The best of the bunch is CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. A likely first rounder last season, Ekpre-Olomu showed he was a threat in both the passing game (3 INTs, 6 Pds) and running game (5.0 TFL). Aside from Ekpre-Olomu, though, their secondary features 3 new faces starting (although two of them are seniors).

Other returnees on defense are 3 of their 4 LBs and one of their DEs. Oregon has had their struggles with Stanford over the past few years, and this is relevant because Stanford (as we saw at the Rose Bowl) has a profile similar to the Spartans. MSU hasn't faced many 3-4 defenses in recent memory (aside from Stanford and Purdue I can't recall any), but hopefully the offensive line isn't confused from the standing pass rushers that 3-4 defenses always feature. If I had to make a bet, I would expect MSU to ride the horse of Jeremy Langford heavily for at least the first 2-3 drives to keep the defense honest and to see if they can take a punch from a physical offense.

Final Analysis: In what will surely be one of the most hyped games of the OOC schedule, MSU will definitely have it's hands full. While their defense has been one of the best in the nation over the past 3-4 seasons, if there's one type of offense that has succeeded more than any on Narduzzi's crew, it's been an up-tempo spread offense. Imagine what Taylor Martinez did to them in 2011 and 2012, only with a much better Quarterback and much better offensive personnel.

Conversely, Oregon's one weakness recently has been teams with physical offenses and defenses. MSU certainly fits that bill and it would be in their best interests to follow the Stanford method. While it won't look nearly as pretty as Oregon's offense, MSU should go to the offensive mantra circa 2007-08 and Pound Green Pound.

It will be a good day for MSU if: MSU dictates the tempo. While that sounds more like basketball talk, it absolutely applies to this game. Oregon's philosophy is to run as many plays and get as many possessions as they can. If Oregon gets near their play total (around 75) MSU will probably be gassed and likely will be playing from behind. However, if MSU can cut that play total to around the 60-65 range, I like their chances. The best way they can dictate the tempo is to run the ball early and often, mixing in passes when the opportunity is most prime. Connor Cook will be an important key to the success MSU has in 2014, but in order for them to win this game, Jeremy Langford has to be the horse that he's shown he is capable of being..

It will be a bad day for MSU if: They're playing catch up early. Of course, playing from behind is never fun, but if it's 14-0 after 8-9 minutes, we could be in for a rough night. Oregon has been pretty good under Helfrich at knowing how to step on the throat of their opponent once they built a decent lead. MSU has to make sure they never are put in that position.

Bold Prediction: One of the QBs throws an interception that either results in a touchdown or puts the other team inside of the red zone.

My Call: If this was at Spartan Stadium, I'd be more confident with this prediction. It's a classic strength vs. strength matchup. Speed vs. power. Oregon's struggles with Stanford give me hope, but a somewhat revamped defense (at least in some spots) in their first true test, on the road, against a Heisman frontrunning QB isn't exactly a winning recipe. Also a somewhat important note: MSU hasn't won a true road game on the west coast since 1957 against Cal. It will be a game in the 4th, and Connor Cook has come through on bigger stages, but this has feelings of a game that MSU will just be a play or two short. Oregon 28, Michigan State 20.

This is a FanPost, written by a member of the TOC community. It does not represent the official positions of The Only Colors, Inc.--largely because we have no official positions.