The last time New Mexico came in to Autzen Stadium it was 1995, the Ducks were defending conference champions, and Oregon won 45-7. This time, the Ducks are defending conference champions and that spread looks about right again.

Darron Thomas will start at quarterback for the Ducks and will hope to get off to a good start against a Lobos defense that gave up 35.9 points a game last season.  LaMichael James will not be available for this game, but the running game will still be explosive, with Kenjon Barner bursting through the holes opened by the deep and talented offensive line. The Ducks will look to emphasize their passing game more this season and will test a young Lobos secondary with WR’s Jeff Maehl and Lavasier Tuinei and David Paulson at TE.  

On defense, the Ducks are led on the line by the returning conference leader in sacks, Kenny Rowe. The linebackers are all back, led by Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger. Eddie Pleasant has been moved from his linebacker role last season to team with John Boyett at the safeties. Talmadge Jackson and Anthony Gildon will be the starting cornerbacks.

New Mexico will have a new quarterback this season with sophomore B.R. Holbrook emerging out of fall camp to get his first start against the Ducks, and will have returning receivers, Chris Hernandez, Bryant Williams and Ty Kirk. The Lobos run the spread and like Oregon will want to have a balanced offense with sophomores Desmond Dennis and Kasey Carrier splitting the carries. On defense the Lobos are led by LB Carmen Messina who led the nation in tackles last season with 162.

Bottom Line:

Oregon needs to take control of this game early and not let New Mexico feel like they have any chance.

Oregon 44