Oregon vs. LSU Preview: News, Notes and Updates from the Ducks

LSU vs. Oregon is easily the best game of the opening week of college football.  In fact, it's hard to even think of a game that is comparable.  Georgia vs. Boise State is the only game that even remotely comes to mind.

It's what most college football fans around the country will be watching Saturday night, so here's a preview of things to keep an eye on before tuning in.

10. Departure of Lache Seastrunk

Some may think that the departure of Lache Seastrunk will have no effect on this game, but that may not be entirely true.  Both LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are ahead of him on the depth chart, but Seastrunk would have certainly seen the field this year.

Seastrunk redshirted last year as a freshman, after signing with Oregon as a 5-star running back out of high school. 

His name has been tied to Willie Lyles, and that could be part of the reason he transferred.  Whatever the case, his loss will effect Oregon's depth at running back.

9. New-Look Receiving Core for Oregon

Both Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis are gone from the Oregon receiving core.  Losing Jeff Maehl especially hurts, as he was one of the most underrated receivers in the country last year.

Even though Oregon is obviously a run-first team, their receivers still play a big role in the offense. The two main receivers this year look to be youngster Josh Huff and veteran Lavasier Tuinei. Both guys played a big role on the team last year.

Huff will only be a sophomore this fall, but gained valuable experience and playing time last season as a freshman.  Tuinei will be a senior and will have to be a leader on this offense.

Look for the losses of Maehl and D.J. Davis to have a bigger impact than people realize.

8. Spencer Ware

This may sound crazy to some, but Spencer Ware just might be the best running back on the field when these two teams play.  Yes, LaMichael James is one of the best backs in the country, but so is Ware.

It is unbelievable how little attention he is getting.  He will only be a sophomore this fall, but looks like he will be given the opportunity to carry LSU's offense this season.

Even though he's still extremely young, he will certainly be able to get the job done.  A former 5-star recruit, there's no reason he can't take over this game and give LSU the spark that was missing from last year's offense.

7. Darron Thomas

How well Darron Thomas plays in this game will go a long way in determining how effective Oregon's offense is.  Realistically, James and Barner won't be able to run all over the LSU defense, so Thomas is going to have to throw the ball if Oregon expects to win.

However, LSU's pass defense is extremely good, so it won't be easy for Thomas.  He proved that he can have success passing the ball in big games when he threw for almost 400 yards in last year's national title. 

He won't have to throw for 400 yards to beat LSU, but he will have to find some success through the air.

6. Impact of Russell Shepard's Absence

Russell Shepard came out of high school as a 5-star quarterback, but was eventually moved to receiver upon his arrival at LSU.  Unfortunately, he has not been the powerful offensive weapon that Les Miles was hoping for.

Entering his junior year, it finally looked like he and Rueben Randle would give LSU a strong 1-2 punch at receiver.  However, the NCAA began looking into Shepard for possible rule violations and as a result, he was suspended for this game.

This obviously isn't good, as Jarrett Lee needs all the help he can get.  Rueben Randle will still be available, but beyond him there isn't much experience. Young Kadron Boone could make an impact this year, but has almost no experience. James Wright is expected to be a big part of the receiving core, but he too hasn't proven himself yet.

Shepard would've lined up in the backfield, and could've been used on trick plays and reverses.  His absence will take a dimension out of this LSU offense.

5. New-Look Defense for Oregon

Kenny Rowe, Spencer Paysinger, and Casey Matthews all played huge parts on Oregon's defense last year, and all three of them are gone.  The jury is still out on Cliff Harris, who is suspended indefinitely.

When looking at Oregon's revamped defense this year, it's hard to find playmakers.  Terrell Turner could certainly be one coming off the edge. And Michael Clay at linebacker could potentially be solid.

Oregon's safety duo looks to be quite strong, with John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant.

However, expect LSU to move the ball on the Ducks.  The Tigers should have no problem running the ball, and it will be interesting to see how well Jarrett Lee throws the ball on this Oregon defense.

4. Off-the-Field Issues

Both teams have dealt with endless off-the-field issues this offseason.  In fact, the NCAA lightly hit LSU with penalties.

Oregon hasn't been hit yet, but penalties could come eventually.  Street agent Willie Lyles has been involved with both programs, and has had nothing but controversy surround his name.

He has certainly been more involved with Oregon, as handwritten letters to Lyles by Chip Kelly have even been found by the media.

If Oregon is found guilty of violations, it could potentially cause Kelly to lose his job because of his involvement with Lyles.

3. Impact on the Loser of This Game

If Oregon loses this game, they can basically wash any dreams of a return to the national title away.

The rest of Oregon's schedule includes trips to Arizona, Washington and Stanford, and home visits from Arizona State, USC and Oregon State.  Out of those six games, Oregon will likely lose one, maybe even two of those games.

Their schedule is just too hard for them to make a return trip to the title game.

LSU, on the other hand, could lose this game and still have a decent shot at eventually ending up in the national championship.  Their schedule is difficult, as they will have to travel on the road to play Mississippi State, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama.

If they win all of those games, and take care of all their business at home, they would likely play for the title.  However, it is very unlikely that they win all of those games listed.

Looking at the big picture, Oregon has more to worry about if they lose this game.

2. Jordan Jefferson's Suspension

LSU suffered a huge blow this past week when Les Miles announced that Jordan Jefferson would be suspended for this game.  No matter how much Jefferson has been criticized for his play in the past, you can't argue the fact that he has won big at LSU.

Even though some fans may say that they like the fact that Jarrett Lee is getting the start, Lee is not an upgrade over Jefferson.  Nor is Zach Mettenberger.

Losing Jefferson for this game is a huge blow, and will affect LSU's offense tremendously.

1. Oregon Rushing Attack vs. LSU Rush Defense

Most people would probably say that Oregon's running backs have the advantage when going up against LSU's defensive line and linebackers.  However, that's not the case at all.  Look at what happened last year when Oregon faced a quality run defense in Auburn; their offense was slowed down mightily, as they only scored 19 points.

Expect the same thing to happen this year.  Even though both LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are great runners, LSU will win this matchup.

LSU's defensive line features youngsters Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, who are just waiting to explode.  The linebacking group is the weakest part of the LSU defense, but still solid.

Oregon lost much of their offensive line from last year, so that could cause problems as well.  The Ducks averaged nearly 300 rushing yards per game last season.  In this game, don't even expect them to even rush for 200 yards.

Shutting down Oregon's running game will be the key for LSU, as it will lead them to victory.

Predicted Final Score: LSU 34, Oregon 24