The Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. the Oregon Ducks is set to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams featuring talented players capable of making a major impact. Oregon is unranked in the AP poll for the first time in four years and is looking for a bounce-back performance, while Nebraska is looking for a statement win after being extremely competitive against the Indiana Hoosiers. With the game expected to feature plenty of exciting individual battles, certain players could play a key role in determining which team comes out on top.
Here are four players to watch in Nebraska vs. Oregon who could make the biggest difference in this highly anticipated matchup.
Players to Watch in Nebraska vs. Oregon
Anthony Colandrea, Quarterback, Nebraska
We have not found out if Dante Moore will play, so the attention goes to Anthony Colandrea, quarterback of the Cornhuskers. Colandrea has had a strong season so far. His 1,406 passing yards rank 31st in the nation, and his 13 passing touchdowns are tied for the 16th most in the country. He is a big reason why Nebraska has looked very competitive this season.
This is Colandrea’s first year with the Huskers. He transferred from UNLV, where he developed into a good quarterback. Colandrea had his worst game on Saturday vs. the then-No.7 Hoosiers, in a devastating 20-17 loss. Colandrea did not have one passing touchdown the whole game, though he did rush for one touchdown. He completed 25-of-43 passes and had an interception.
Colandrea enters week 7 as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Colandrea will enter Autzen Stadium with a lot of momentum, seeking revenge for last season. No, he was not playing for Nebraska at that time, but every quarterback wants revenge for their team.
The Oregon Quarterbacks (Dante Moore, Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas)
We don’t know if Moore will play this week, as he is recovering from a concussion that he sustained vs. USC in Week 4. If he returns, it will be a big boost for Oregon. Moore is a dynamic quarterback, with 926 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
If Moore sits out the game, a former five-star and transfer from Nebraska, Dylan Raiola, will probably take the field. He had a brutal loss last week, as he was benched. So far, he has 456 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. If Moore sits out, he will most likely play vs. Nebraska.
Brock Thomas, a walk-on quarterback who stepped in last week, may be called up again.
Whoever starts will be going against one of the best defenses in the country, which ranked 1st in third down conversions.
Jamal Rule, Running Back, Nebraska
Nebraska boasts the 26th-ranked rushing offense in the country, averaging 213.8 yards per game on the ground.
Running back Jamal Rule leads the ground attack for Nebraska with 385 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. His role in the game will be very critical in exploiting an Oregon defense that struggled very badly at the line of scrimmage last week.
Rule is the key player to Nebraska beating Oregon, and winning games in general for Nebraska. If Rule can consistently find running room, Nebraska could control the clock, keep Oregon’s offense off the field, and create more opportunities to score.
Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon
Dakorien Moore is one of Oregon’s best players. A former five-star recruit, he is a sophomore and looks like one of the best receivers in the nation. Moore has shown that he can make big plays when Oregon needs them most, using his speed, route running, and ability to create separation from defenders.
If Oregon’s star quarterback does not play this week, Raiola will likely have the opportunity to throw to Moore. He is perfect at picking up first downs and gaining easy yards. Nebraska’s defense will definitely need to look out for him on Saturday. If Oregon wants to have success through the air, getting Moore involved early could be a major part of the game plan.
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