The Oregon Ducks open up Autzen stadium with a test from the Nevada Wolfpack. Last year, Nevada tied for the WAC division title, mostly thanks to a wild November night in Reno when they defeated the Boise St. Broncos. Last year, Nevada was the type of team that no one wanted to see due to their dynamic pistol offense and trigger man, Colin Kaepernick. When Kaepernick wasn't running the ball or throwing it down field he would turn and hand the ball to Vai Taua who rushed for 1610 yards and 19 touchdowns. Combined they put together a powerful offense that lead them to a 13-1 record and a bowl win over Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
What a difference a year makes. Nevada's offense was decimated by a senior laden squad last year and they return only 4 starters, one at a skill position in talented senior Rishard Matthews. If he is going to get going, Nevada is going to need production from QB Tyler Lantrip. Lantrip, a senior who played in mop up duty last year. In his career he has thrown a total of 24 passes, completing half of them. The senior has the unenviable task of opening his starting career at Autzen Stadium, one of the loudest in the country.
Conversely, Oregon looks to bounce back from a disappointing performance against LSU last week in the Cowboy Classic. Autzen will be a welcoming sight as Darron Thomas and LaMichael James look to get back on track. After a dismal first performance it may take some more effort to get this offense back to the way it was last year. James is expected to be a little more physical of a runner this week and it would be a disappointment if he was held under 100 yards for the second consecutive week. Oregon looks to be an overwhelming favorite with Vegas seeing the line at 26 1/2 for Oregon.
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