Before each Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
#3 Oregon
Ducks
This week, we're joined by Oregon beat writer James Crepea of The Oregonian, who helped break down this highly anticipated top-three matchup.
Crepea discussed the hostile environment Autzen Stadium can be, Oregon's run defense, the comparison of each team's transfer quarterbacks and more.
First of all, considering the new B1G realignment, if Ohio State fans are traveling to Oregon, it will probably be their first time at Autzen Stadium. What recommendations would you have for any out-of-town visitors in Eugene, whether it be restaurants or otherwise?
James Crepea: For those who are even remotely interested in track and field, seeing Hayward Field and going to Pre’s Rock are worthwhile, as is going to Spencer’s Butte for the outdoorsy types. As for food, a local steakhouse finally opened up called Kennedy’s and it’s downtown and near several hotels and walking distance to several other spots. Bar Purlieu, Izakaya Meiji, Lion & Owl, Saba, Tacovore and Sweetwaters on the River are all good. Downtown there’s a district of bars referred to as the barmuda triangle and it’s hard to go wrong at most any of them, not a massive college crowd over there necessarily.
As for Autzen itself, it’s considered to be one of the toughest places to play in all of college football. What about the environment makes it so hostile?
Crepea: On a per capita basis it’s extremely loud. It plays far louder than 54,000+; it’s a wall of sound in a bowl that’s on top of the field. But don’t get it confused with Beaver Stadium, Memorial Stadium or The Shoe. It’s not those places.
On the Ohio State side, there are plenty of intriguing storylines considering Chip Kelly and Carlos Locklyn will both be returning to Oregon. Of the two it’s likely Locklyn’s return stirs more feelings from Ducks fans than Kelly’s since Locklyn was there less than a year ago. But is there any advantage in your mind to having two coaches who know the Ducks well on staff? (Locklyn probably from a personnel knowledge standpoint, Kelly from his knowledge of facing Oregon while coaching in the Pac-12).
Crepea: I don’t see a particular advantage here. Locklyn’s knowledge of the offense or some personnel could be beneficial, but Ohio State has the No. 1 defense in the country with a ton of talent, I doubt any additional knowledge will be a major factor.
As for the game itself, how do you feel about Oregon’s run defense? On one hand, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty ripped the Ducks to shreds, but he’s done that to everyone and looks like a first-round pick. On the other, Oregon’s defense has fared far better since then, but will face a tandem of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
Crepea: Jeanty is going to continue to make Oregon’s defense look great relatively speaking. He had a big night but it came on four huge runs, and credit to him, but most of his carries were less significant gains. Outside of that the Ducks have fared well in every other way defensively and they added a lot of talent in the offseason to get these results. This is the first true test to see how legitimate the improvements are outside of padding stats against bad teams.
Both of these teams are relying on transfer quarterbacks. Both are established, quality collegiate quarterbacks but have their limitations as passers. Which team do you feel has the advantage here?
Crepea: Whatever Dillon Gabriel or Will Howard have by way or shortcomings is mitigated by their respective array of weapons to take aim for. Gabriel probably has the bigger arm, but the Buckeyes have the better receivers, though not by a massive margin, and Terrance Ferguson is the top tight end on the field. Which has the advantage is in the eye of the beholder and based somewhat on matchups. For example, if Tez Johnson gets matched up with any linebacker that’s extremely favorable to Oregon.
What have you made of Oregon’s offensive line? It seems like the Ducks had a few injury concerns early in the season and may be a little susceptible in the interior, but the unit seems to have jelled well as of late.
Crepea: The group has continuity and consistency the past three games. The opponents have not been major tests, though Michigan State at least had some talent and scheme to create a little pressure. Ultimately, the matchups on the edges are going to be the toughest all season both ways for the players involved. Inside, it’s hard to know if Oregon has actually turned a corner yet. Oregon State, UCLA and Michigan State simply didn’t have the talent to pose significant tests there on a consistent basis.
Where do you think Oregon hopes to attack Ohio State’s defense?
Crepea: Oregon has attacked the perimeter fairly well the last few games and when they do that and get the offensive linemen out with heads of steam it can create some much bigger gains. That said, the Ohio State defense has the speed to make that extremely hard to accomplish. Tez Johnson has a knack for finding holes in zone coverage and then turning on the jets. Evan Stewart is a threat there as well. If the Ducks can put safeties in conflict and get the looks they’ve drawn up as of late then the well-timed deep shots to capitalize on their speed are the way they can try to hit for chunks against a defense that isn’t allowing anything over the top.
Finally, in this massive, top-three matchup, how do you envision this game playing out and do you have a score prediction?
Crepea: I see this as a clash of defenses more than an offensive slugfest. Whichever quarterback handles pressure best, likely in obvious passing situations, combined with whichever team runs the ball better is what I see as the determining factors. The team that stays on schedule best is the winner to me, more so than the obvious in terms of turnovers or overall production. I give Ohio State the edge, narrowly, 31-28, in a game that could come down to the final possession.
