Top 25 opener: Oregon treks to Boise State

Wed, Sep 2, 2009

NCAA-FB

Thursday is the first night of major college football action, and two Top 25 teams meet in Idaho. Here’s a look at the game:

 
Blount brings power to the Ducks' ground game.Blount brings power to the Ducks’ ground game.
No. 16 Oregon at No. 14 Boise State, 10:15 p.m.
The Line: Boise State by 3 1/2
 

Three reasons Oregon will win

1. Masoli/Blount: No Pac-10 tandem in the offensive backfield comes into the season with as much positive mojo as Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB LeGarrette Blount. Masoli can run and throw, he knows the Oregon offense, and with a big year could sneak into the Heisman Trophy chase. Blount racked up better than 1,000 yards last year as a backup and sorted through off-field issues to return to coach Chip Kelly’s good graces. “He’s been great,” Kelly said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked the last few months.”
 
2. Pass rush: Boise’s offensive line enters the game inexperienced and injured, never good against a Top 25 team. But the problems will multiply against a talented Ducks front seven. DE Will Tukuafu ended last season with 7.5 sacks, and tonight starts his inheritance of the No. 1 pass-rusher role from Nick Reed. Linebackers Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews specialize in penetrating backfields and could help comprise the most talented group of linebackers in the Pac-10. If the Broncos block as expected, UO’s front has a chance to disrupt the Boise attack.
 

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