The 2016 college football season has finally arrived for Oregon.
While the Ducks will be trying to break in a multitude of new players — most notably quarterback Dakota Prukop, three freshmen offensive linemen and a brand new defensive scheme — the Aggies return many of their offensive and defensive weapons from last year.
Here’s how the teams stack up:
Oregon Offense
Running back Royce Freeman is Oregon’s leader on offense and a dark horse Heisman candidate. The junior running back returns after rushing for 1,838 yards and 17 touchdowns last year and adding another 348 yards and two scores receiving. But Dakota Prukop is the key to the offense as he’s been with the Ducks since the spring as a fifth-year transfer. He earned the starting job in fall camp because of his leadership and command of the offense. Gifted with a strong arm, he’ll have many weapons to throw to, whether it be dynamic receiver Charles Nelson, Olympic hurdler Devon Allen or NFL-caliber players Darren Carrington and Pharaoh Brown.
UC Davis Offense
The Aggies are led by a pair of senior starters in quarterback Ben Scott and running back Manusamoa Luuga. Scott played in eight games last year, yet led the team with 1,598 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air. Luuga was the leader from a stable of running backs, leading UC Davis with six touchdowns and 651 rushing yards. As for receiving, Luuga and Chris Martin were the top targets as each player caught over 45 passes on the season. Luuga led the Aggies with 51 receptions but Martin averaged 14.3 yards per catch with five touchdowns.
Advantage: OREGON
Oregon Defense
The Ducks are in a transition period when it comes to defense as new defensive coordinator Brady Hoke is implementing his new 4-3 base defense, and based on practice reports, the results have been mixed at best. Secondary seems to be Oregon’s best position group as it returns all of its starters from last year’s team, including depth at the position. Safety Tyree Robinson is the key as he is seen as the leader of the group while Arrion Aprings and Ugo Amadi lockdown the corner positions. Johnny Ragin II leads the linebacking core as freshman Troy Dye will start in his first ever college football game at the WILL position. Henry Mondeaux is the only returning starter on the defensive line but came on strong at the end of last year while playing opposite DeForest Buckner, a first-round draft pick in last year’s NFL Draft.
UC Davis Defense
Experience is what leads the Aggies as five of their top six tacklers from last year return. Darryl Graham and Patrick Wells are the top two returning tacklers for the team as both players play in the defensive backfield. The linebacking duo of Russell Reeder and Brady Stibi hold down the middle of the defense while Zach Jones is the hybrid of the defense. Jones saw all of his action last year at safety but has been moved to linebacker this year to give that group more athleticism. Brandon Weaver is the top interior lineman for the Aggies as he posted 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last year.
Stack-Up: Senior starters will be key for UC Davis in season-opener
Ryan Kostecka
August 31, 2016
More to Discover