ScoopDuck Roundtable: Surprise Storyline vs Maryland

Welcome back to game week. Unfortunately we are running out of these game weeks but we need to cherish the remaining ones we have.

Oregon heads back home to host Maryland this week. The Terrapins are a massive underdog, according to Vegas. But they do know how to score points. is the Oregon defense up to the task?

Here are our surprise storylines we are predicting for this weekend.

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Linden Hile: Receivers Shine

It sounds like wide receiver Tez Johnson will be out for at least a bit, putting pressure on Oregon’s depth at the position. We’ve seen others like Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart step up in big moments but can they do it for an entire game (or more)?

My money says yes. I think this group has the talent to go out and not miss a beat without its leader and lead the Ducks to another resounding win.

Collin King: Oregon picks off Maryland twice this week

While this really might not be a hot take by any means I said last week that I thought Oregon would force Davis Warren into an interception or two and he didn’t. Billy Edwards has been solid this season but definitely not perfect and recently some Maryland fans have asked for him to be benched for NC State transfer MJ Morris. Both QBs will likely get reps this week but regardless with Oregon getting closer to full health defensively, I think they will cause far too many problems for Maryland.

Max Torres: Noah Whittington 150 all-purpose yards

Whittington has made a big impact on this offense in recent weeks, finding the end zone twice against Michigan. We all know Jordan James is the workhorse back, so it feels like the staff is using Whittington just the right amount. 

But with him finding his stride I still want to see more touches and I think we could see his biggest game of the season against Maryland. There’s a little uncertainty around the offensive line after Marcus Harper got banged up, but I think A’lique Terry will have the group ready if he isn’t able to go.

Jhop: Maryland Keeps it Close (r)

It’s a dangerous stretch of the year for any top-ranked team. What makes it even worse is when you open as a near 30-point favorite over a conference opponent. Oregon has looked good, sharp, and appears confident. But Maryland has only scored less than 20 points one time all season. The downside is they give up a lot of points generally too. I think we all expect a blowout here and I think Maryland will do just enough to keep it closer.

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