DSC Inside Read: Matchups to watch Saturday

 

Oregon vs. James Madison — Matchups That Will Decide the Playoff Game

James Madison arrives with one of the most defined identities in the playoff field: a deep, physical rushing offense paired with a defensive front that erases rushing efficiency and forces opponents to live in long-yardage situations. Oregon, meanwhile, counters with balance, depth, and a defense that has already survived Big Ten trench warfare.

This game will not be decided by “who wants it more.” It will be decided by whether Oregon can consistently win three very specific matchup battles.

---

3 – Three Matchups That Will Decide the Game

1. Oregon Defensive Front vs. JMU’s Rotational Run Game

This is the core of the matchup.

James Madison does not rely on a single back — it rotates waves:

• Wayne Knight: 1,295 rushing yards, 6.6 YPC, plus 37 catches

• Alonza Barnett III: 544 net rushing yards, 14 TDs

• Jordan Fuller / Jobi Malary / Matthew Sluka: change-of-pace runners with efficiency (all over 5.0 YPC)

JMU averages 245.8 rushing yards per game and runs the ball on 63% of its plays. But the more important number is how they run it:

• Heavy inside zone and QB-read concepts

• Designed QB power in short-yardage

• Constant substitution to keep legs fresh late in games

Oregon’s answer is depth — and this is where the Ducks are uniquely equipped.

• Interior rotation: A’Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, Terrance Green, Nasir Wyatt

• Edge depth: Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, Blake Purchase, Solomon Davis

• Second-level cleanup: Bryce Boettcher and Dillon Thieneman (combined 171 tackles)

Oregon has already faced multiple offenses that wanted to shorten the game (Wisconsin, Iowa, Washington), and the Ducks held opponents to 107.2 rushing yards per game at 3.2 YPC. That’s not dominance by one star — that’s depth holding up snap after snap.

If Oregon’s front can maintain gap integrity without needing to overcommit safeties, JMU’s offense becomes far more one-dimensional than it wants to be.

---

2. Oregon Offensive Line vs. JMU’s Pass-Rush Rotation

This is the sneaky matchup that could tilt the game.

James Madison’s defense is not just good — it is disruptive:

• 36 sacks, 85 tackles for loss

• Opponents held to 2.5 yards per carry

• Defensive EPA consistently negative across both run and pass

The pressure doesn’t come from one player; it comes in waves:

• Sahir West: 14.0 TFL, 7.0 sacks

• Xavier Holmes: 7.5 sacks

• Drew Spinogatti / Aiden Gobaira: interior push and edge stunts

• Trent Hendrick: erases cutback lanes and screens

Oregon’s offensive line depth matters here more than star power. The Ducks don’t need perfection — they need clean structure.

• Dante Moore has been lethal when protected (72.3% completion rate, 8.8 YPA)

• Oregon averages 7.1 yards per play, compared to JMU allowing just 4.1

If Oregon’s OL can keep Moore upright without heavy max protection, it forces JMU’s linebackers to respect the pass — which is when Oregon’s run game starts creating creases.

This matchup isn’t about Oregon “winning big.” It’s about avoiding negative plays that fuel JMU’s defensive identity.

---

3. Oregon Skill Depth vs. JMU’s Coverage Discipline

James Madison’s secondary is sound, disciplined, and well-coached — but it hasn’t seen this kind of depth.

Oregon can roll out:

• Malik Benson: 16.9 YPC, true vertical threat

• Kenyon Sadiq: 8 TDs, matchup nightmare for linebackers

• Dakorien Moore: explosive slot versatility

• Jeremiah McClellan / Gary Bryant Jr.: reliable chain movers

• RBs who catch: Whittington, Hill, Davison

JMU’s coverage philosophy relies on rally tackling and keeping everything in front. That works when an offense is limited in personnel groupings.

Oregon isn’t.

The Ducks can shift from 12 personnel to four-wide without substituting, forcing JMU to either:

• Keep heavier personnel on the field and risk matchups in space, or

• Sub late and risk tempo issues

This is where Oregon’s depth creates cumulative stress rather than instant fireworks.

---

2 – Two Most Important Players for Oregon

1. Bryce Boettcher – The Fulcrum

Boettcher doesn’t need a highlight stat line — he needs a clean game.

• Team-leading tackling presence

• Key communicator vs. option looks

• First contact defender against QB run

Against an offense that lives on RPOs and QB keepers, the margin for error is thin. If Boettcher consistently fits correctly and tackles in space, JMU’s efficiency drops significantly.

This is a “trust your eyes” game for him.

---

2. Dante Moore – The Separator

Not the savior. The separator.

JMU can survive if Oregon plays conservative. It cannot survive if Moore consistently converts:

• 3rd-and-6+

• Red-zone play-action

• Boundary throws off run looks

Moore doesn’t need a 400-yard night. But if he forces JMU to defend the entire field, the Dukes’ margin disappears.

This is where Oregon’s ceiling shows up.

---

1 – Bold Prediction

Oregon’s depth turns the fourth quarter into a tipping point.

James Madison will move the ball early. They will land body blows. But by the final 18 minutes:

• Oregon’s defensive rotation will be fresher

• JMU’s run efficiency will drop below 4.0 YPC

• Oregon will win time-of-possession in the second half

Not because JMU fades — but because Oregon has more answers.

This game won’t be decided by one explosive play or one turnover. It will be decided by the accumulation of snaps — and that’s where Oregon’s depth, balance, and playoff seasoning become decisive.