Inside The Game: Oregon's Top Seven Matchups To Watch This Season

There are some intriguing teams and players on Oregon's schedule heading into next fall. Here are a few to watch for once football season rolls around.

7. Oregon Offense vs. Arizona Defense

With the exception of the first half of the 2008 contest, Arizona's defense has shut Oregon down in the last three games the two teams have matched up.  

The Wildcats have always been known for their defense and it will have to carry them this year if they expect to be competitive.  

6. Oregon Defense vs. Boise State Offense

Last fall, Boise State's offense made the Ducks look silly as they dominated them in Autzen Stadium.  

It will be interesting to see how physical the Duck defense gets after two Boise State cheap shots (one knocking out Jeremiah Masoli) significantly altered the course of the last affair.  

If the Ducks can mess up the rhythm of the Boise State offense, look for the Ducks to pull out a victory on the always colorful "smurf turf" in Boise.

5. Oregon Defense vs. Jahvid Best

It is well-known that Jahvid Best is one of the best, if not the best player in the conference. The Ducks contained him well in 2008, but I expect Best to be even better than he was last year.  

If Cal quarterback Kevin Riley can improve his play, Cal is a formidable force in the Pac-10 Conference.  T.J. Ward will be key in this matchup for his run support. 

4. Oregon Run Game vs. Cal Front Seven

The Ducks struggled in the monsoon conditions in Berkeley last fall. Cal lost most of their front seven, including all three linebackers.  

The conditions most likely won't be nearly as bad, and with a much improved Jeremiah Masoli, the Ducks should be much better prepared for Cal's defense.

3. Oregon Defense vs. Jacquizz Rodgers, OSU

The Pac-10 Player of The Year last year, Rodgers missed the Civil War after hurting his shoulder in the Arizona game.  

Unfortunately for Rodgers, everyone will know what's coming and he may find a tougher road this season. Oregon can expect the best effort from Rodgers who would have given anything to play in the 2008 Civil War. 

2. Walter Thurmond III vs. Damian Williams, USC

This could be the best one-on-one matchup this season. The speedy Williams had his moments last year, but was very inconsistent.  

Thurmond brings a height and speed to the game that makes him a first round pick after this season.

Neither of these players are overly physical, so whichever player is more physical will win this battle. Let's hope both are healthy when October 31, rolls around.

1. Oregon Offense vs. Oregon State Defense

This sums up the 2008 Civil War: 694 yards of total offense and a final score of 65-38. The Ducks ran all over the Beavers in the 112th Civil War, dashing the Beavers' Rose Bowl hopes.  

Every time the Beavers tried to make it interesting, Jeremiah Masoli and the Ducks pushed it back to a two possession game. Most would think the Beavers have to perform better but if Oregon's offense is that potent, it may be a lost cause. 

The Ducks are sure to have an exciting season with great matchups ahead. Saturdays in the fall are not too far away. Let's hope the dog days of summer pass quickly.