Breakdown of the Fresno State Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks.

Breakdown: Bulldogs

The Bulldogs come into their second game of the season against the Oregon Ducks after winning convincingly in their match last Saturday against Weber State.

With strong confidence, Fresno State will look to continue its success against a high-powered offense and a strong defense in Oregon. The ’Dogs’ offense was led by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Devante Adams and senior running back Robbie Rouse last week. Both look to get going quickly in their bout against Oregon.

Fresno State will have a tough time doing this against the Ducks’ defense. Although Oregon gave up 34 points to Arkansas State last week, it was still able to put pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback and forced a critical interception.

If the Bulldogs hope to win the game, the tempo of both their offense and defense needs to be quicker. Players like Rouse, junior quarterback Derek Carr and the plethora of wide receiver options need to step up and make a few big plays.

In addition, the ’Dogs’ defense will have to be sharp and find a way to stop the Ducks proficient offense. Senior safety Phillip Thomas and company need to apply pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota, who threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns last week against Arkansas State.

Breakdown: Ducks

With explosive offensive weapons like sophomore running back De’Anthony Thomas and Marcus Mariota, the Ducks will look to continue their dominance in week two.

Squaring off with Fresno State for the ninth time ever, Oregon hopes to widen its lead in the series to 7-2. The Ducks plan to confuse and stun the Bulldogs by hitting them fast and hard on offense, while suffocating them slowly on defense.

Offensively, Oregon far exceeds Fresno State in every skill position.­ Although most of the Ducks’ leading scorers are inexperienced (with Mariota only a freshman), each skill position is loaded with talent.

On the defensive side for Oregon, its size, speed and tempo will surely give the Bulldogs trouble as quarterback Derek Carr will have to make plays a lot faster. Senior Michael Clay and sophomore Derrick Malone will bring speed and physicality to the Ducks’ linebacker corps.

Oregon’s secondary is very dangerous with sophomore cornerbacks Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Troy Hill, who collected six tackles last week. The speed at which the Ducks play is surprising because the defensive line averages 6’5” or higher.

Fresno State will have to utilize its speed and versatility on the offensive line if it hopes to thwart the Ducks’ defense.

Oregon will be able to win the day if its young players can play up to their expectations. However, if the Ducks’ defense falters and the offensive threats in Mariota and Thomas experience second-game jitters, this weekend’s matchup could be closer than expected.