Oregon vs. Utah: ‘Tale of the Tape’ for No. 8 Ducks vs. No. 13 Utes

The intensity is being ramped up once again for fans of the Oregon Ducks.

After a relatively laid-back week against the Washington State Cougars, Dan Lanning and his team travel down to Salt Lake City this weekend to take on the No. 13 Utah Utes in a high-intensity game that will draw the eyes of the nation to Rice-Eccles Stadium. ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ will be there, and the No. 8 Ducks will have an opportunity to prove that they can get the job done against a top-rated team on the road, setting themselves up in a great position to make it to the Pac-12 Championship Game, and potentially the College Football Playoff as well.

It’s not going to be easy, but based on the matchup, this is a game that the Ducks should be able to win if they stay true to form and play their own game. To get a closer look at the specific areas where Oregon will need to perform well, let’s break down the tape and look at the numbers on paper.

QB Bo Nix vs. QB Bryson Barnes

Breaking down the quarterback matchup based on 2023 stats:

Edge: Oregon

Analysis: It’s not really fair when you’re dealing with one Heisman-contending quarterback and a backup quarterback who is operating a very run-heavy offense. The numbers disparity between Nix and Barnes is bigger than the Grand Canyon. There’s no question who the better passer is.

Oregon RBs vs. Utah RBs

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down Oregon’s backfield and Washington State’s backfield based on 2023 stats:

Edge: Oregon

Analysis: This one is definitely closer, and before diving into the numbers, you might think that Utah has a better rushing attack based on the fact that their ability to run the ball is the primary thing that’s gotten them to a 6-1 record. However, the numbers show that the Ducks are simply for efficient, and more effective on the ground. They more than triple Utah’s TD production, and have more yards on the ground, all without Noah Whittington in the mix.

Oregon Pass Catchers vs. Utah Pass Catchers

Breaking down the receiving corps based on stats from 2023:

Edge: Oregon

Analysis: Another position battle where there is really no conversation as to which team has the better unit. Oregon’s ability to throw the ball downfield has given them clear separation this year, and Utah has largely moved away from the passing game. The Ducks have almost double the receptions on the season, and over five times as many touchdowns to WRs. A clear-cut advantage.

Oregon Defenders vs. Utah Defenders

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Breaking down the top defenders based on stats from 2023:

Edge: Utah

Analysis: This is the one area the the game where I think that Utah has a clear edge. While Oregon’s defense has been very solid this year, the Utes have the best defense in the Pac-12, and it’s the main reason that they’ve found such success this season. However, Utah also lost LB Lander Barton — the team’s third-leading tackler — for the season last week against USC, so they definitely took a hit.

When Oregon has the ball

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

When Utah has the ball

Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Advanced Stats Breakdown

Who has the edge?

(Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa)

Oregon Ducks

I think it’s pretty clear that when you look at this matchup on paper, the Oregon Ducks are the better team. They are favored by around a touchdown on the road in a touch road environment, which will end up being the biggest factor in the outcome of this game.

What I think most blatantly tells the story of how this matchup should go is this — Oregon has a great offense against a great Utah defense; Utah has a bad offense against a great Oregon defense. The Ducks may struggle to put up points at a clip that we have grown used to in this season, but I don’t think the defense will have any problem holding the Utes down in this game.

Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire