Oregon Offensive Keys to the Game vs. No. 13 Utah

Oregon's explosive and efficient offense meets the best defense the Pac-12 has to offer.

We're less than 48 hours away from a huge matchup between the No. 8 Oregon Ducks and No. 13 Utah Utes in Salt Lake City.

Oregon's offense has a top 10 rushing and passing attack but will collide with a stout and disciplined Utah defense on Saturday.

If Oregon wants to come away with a win, they'll need to do these three things on offense.

1. Establish the Run

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

With Oregon facing off against a team as physical as Utah, the Ducks are going to need to establish the run early. Not only will it open up the rest of the offense, but it'll help them punch Utah in the mouth and set the tone offensively.

It's not going to be easy. Utah boasts the No. 5 run defense and is only allowing 78 rushing yards per game. But the best teams don't stray away from their identity in big games.

Bucky Irving is coming off a career game after scoring three touchdowns and racking up 180 all-purpose yards against Washington State. Expect him and sophomore standout Jordan James to be a central part of the game plan. 

2. Get Bo Nix in a Groove Early

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Bo Nix is now the most experienced quarterback in college football history. Having a veteran quarterback is an asset to any team, but it's especially important in a big-time game like this one in a hostile road environment.

Nix is playing terrific football and is the heart and soul of the Oregon offense. If you can get him in a groove early it not only helps his confidence, but it trickles down to the rest of the team. 

This is just the type of game that Nix came to Oregon to play in. He's been great all year, and the Ducks will certainly lean on him to lead and executive Will Stein's offense on Saturday.

3. Play a Clean Game up Front

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Oregon's offensive line accounted for six of the eight penalties against Washington State. That's not to say they played a bad game, but it's no secret offensive line penalties can often stall drives.

They can disrupt a sense of rhythm and in some cases force you to settle for three points instead of six. The margin for error against Utah is incredibly slim, so Oregon won't be able to afford that on Saturday.

Rice-Eccles Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in all of college football and the Ducks need A'lique Terry's group to be on their A game.

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