Thanks to those who submitted questions for last week’s Oregon Ducks mailbag.
If you have questions for next week, please submit them using the form below or email me at AFentress@Oregonian.com.
Please include your first name and last initial, or your social media handle and platform.
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Now on to this week’s questions:
A lot has been made of the environment Oregon will face in a White Out game at Penn State. Will that truly be a factor? – Emily from Portland
The majority of Oregon’s starters were present for big games last year, but most have not been called upon to perform at a high level for 60 minutes in such a huge event.
That will likely be a factor for some of Oregon’s starters.
However, football is football, and if enough players can block out the noise, the Ducks could find success.
According to an NBC Sports article, Penn State is 13-8 in White Out games and has won six consecutive and eight out of its last nine.
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In prep for Penn State, how do you account for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ experience at slowing, if not stifling, the Ducks in the Rose Bowl? – Greg from Cincinnati
I made this point to George Wrighster during our podcast and he countered by saying that Ohio State had better personnel than Penn State. Maybe so, but the Buckeyes did a good job against a much more experienced quarterback and proven receivers than Oregon currently has.
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Can the Ducks stop the run and make QB Drew Allar have to throw? – Anonymous
Not likely. Penn State rushed for 297 yards against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game. The Ducks returned just three starters from that defense. Penn State returned both running backs, Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, plus most of its offensive line.
Advantage Nittany Lions.
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What do the ducks have to do to beat Penn State? – Anonymous
Slow down Penn State’s rushing attack and then get pressure on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. If that happens, the Ducks should win. If not, then Oregon will need a huge day from quarterback Dante Moore to win a high-scoring game.
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Will the Ducks’ beating up inferior talent cost them when they finally play a quality team? – Anonymous.
It certainly could. However, Penn State is in the same boat, given its first three opponents.
On the other hand, the Ducks likely benefited from getting in four games before playing Penn State, regardless of the opponents faced.
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Why did Oregon keep the starters in for the entire game against Oregon State, especially the QB? – Anonymous
I don’t believe it was the entire game, but Dan Lanning said he left the offensive starters in an extra series late because they wanted them to end on a high note.
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With Hughes transferring to UO with great credentials, why isn’t he getting the number of carries you would expect? – Mike in Milwaukee
Plain and simple, Hughes was beaten out. Don’t expect him to return next season.
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Why is Oregon hiding Noah Whittington’s injury? – Shelly
What is the nature of Noah Whittington’s injury? – Anonymous
The Ducks’ starting running back’s injury has been kept under wraps. At times, coaches do so to protect the player from having their injury targeted by the next opponent. It appears that Whittington will play at Penn State.
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OK, Aaron: if the Ducks beat the spread AND win outright, will you sing “Oregon, My Oregon” with me live during your next online video installment? Start rehearsing, pal! – Anonymous
Ha! I can dance, but nobody wants to hear me sing!
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No. 6 Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) at No. 3 Penn State (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten)