Brenden Schooler / Wide Receiver

Oregon needs another receiver to step up besides Dillon Mitchell. He has more than double the receptions of any other Duck receiver. He is at 64 while Jaylon Redd is at 23. Brenden Schooler is Oregon’s other outside receiver, and he’s going against an average Arizona State passing defense. While he had only two receptions in the first three Pac-12 games, Schooler has been more present over the last four, catching 14 passes. But, the yards aren’t there. He’s only at 9.95 yards per catch, which is sixth on the team with players over 10 receptions. Oregon doesn’t need someone to get empty catches, but they need someone to make plays. The Ducks need someone to get yards after catch and make plays with the ball in their hands. Schooler has never done that, but the Ducks need someone to break loose.

Thomas Graham Jr. / Cornerback

Oregon’s secondary is young. Senior safety Ugochukwu Amadi is the only upperclassman with serious playing time. Sophomore cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. is one of the underclassmen who Oregon relies on. They’ll need him to be in top form against talented Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry, who is one of the best wide receivers in the conference. He is second in the conference in yards per game and touchdowns. At 6 foot 4, 216 pounds, he is one of the most physical receivers in the Pac-12, and Oregon struggled with big, physical receivers against Stanford. Arizona State’s passing attack is not its strength, but Oregon’s passing defense is ninth in the conference. Graham Jr., or whoever is guarding him, needs to limit Arizona State’s top receiver if they are going to limit time on the field.

Merlin Robertson / Linebacker

The freshman linebacker is Arizona State’s leader in tackles for loss and sacks. He’s been one of the surprise players in the conference this season, and he’ll be important in stopping Oregon’s rushing attack. The Ducks’ running game has struggled recently, but the offense is much better at home than it is on the road. Robertson played middle linebacker in high school, so this is his first season as an outside linebacker. He is already a talented pass rusher and he’ll be moved around to face Oregon’s injured O-line. If he can stop the run, Oregon will have only struggled on its passing game this season.

Manny Wilkins / Quarterback

Obviously, quarterbacks are always important. Wilkins is a dominant passer, but he is a good runner. Oregon fell victim to two rushing touchdowns against Utah’s Jason Shelley. They were on the goal line, where the quarterback run is the most dangerous. Arizona State does the same with Wilkins. He has six rushing touchdowns this year, which is second on the team and tied for eighth in the Pac-12. His passing is efficient but not what carries the Sun Devil offense. He is second in the conference in efficiency rating, but he’s only fifth in the Pac-12 in yards per game.
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