The Oregon Ducks will travel to East Lansing to take on Michigan State in the biggest college football game of the weekend. Oregon beat the Spartans last year, and we think they'll repeat that feat on Saturday. Here are three reasons why they'll beat Michigan State this weekend:
3) Royce Freeman's dominance
Freeman had a freshman season that suceeded everyone's wildest expectations, becoming the first true freshman in Oregon history to rush for over 1,000 yards. More specifically, the 5-11, 230-pounder ran for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 252 carries. He dominated Eastern Washington in their opener, rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns on just 21 carries. While Michigan State's defense is obviously a big step up from EWU, Freeman's scary combination of speed and power will give the Spartans fits.
2) Improved defense
Michigan State's offense is also a force to be reckoned with headlined by quarterback Connor Cook, but Oregon's defense is improving and should be able to limit the Spartans effectiveness.
Don Pellum's second year as Ducks defensive coordinator is off to a good start, as the defense looked both aggressive and prepared in implementing his schemes against Eastern Washington, and only allowed the Eagles to gain 111 total rushing yard. With a wealth of talent at his disposal and kids who are just dying to learn, this defense could be the difference between a good year and a memorable run to a national title.
1) Vernon Adams
Oregon's new quarterback lived up to the hype in his debut, passing for 246 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 94 more yards. His dual-threat ability is the kind of stuff that gives defensive coordinators nightmares, and he should be able to exploit whatever the Spartans defense gives him.
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