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Oregon great Kenjon Barner names 3 keys to victory over Ohio State

Bryce Lazenby

By Bryce Lazenby

Published:

The Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a huge top-10 Big Ten showdown with the  Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 7. This game has all the makings of an instant classic and should have College Football Playoff implications.

Ahead of the matchup, former Oregon great Kenjon Barner revealed his 3 keys for an Oregon victory.

Firstly, Barner says the Ducks must control the line of scrimmage on offense and defense.

“Ohio State brings in one of the best rushing attacks in the country,” said Barner. “They (Oregon) have to stop (Quinshon) Judkins and their running game in order to control the Buckeyes’ offense.”

The Buckeyes boast arguably the nation’s best running back duo with Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. The duo has led the Buckeyes to having the No. 15 rushing offense in the FBS.

Barner also noted the importance of not allowing Dillon Gabriel to take hits. Ohio State is 12th in the country with 17 sacks through 5 games.

Secondly, Barner said the Ducks must limit turnovers.

“We can’t have ill-advised throws and Oregon has to protect the ball,” Barner explained. “If we can do that, Oregon will win this game.”

Oregon is No. 81 in the FBS in turnover margin through 5 games.

Third, Barner stressed that the Ducks must continue establishing the run game.

“Oregon (running backs) had a great week this past weekend against Michigan State,” said Barner. “They have to continue to build upon what they established last week.”

As Barner noted, Jordan James had his best game of the season last weekend. The tailback rushed for 166 yards and 1 touchdown on 24 carries. It was a career-best day for rushing attempts and rushing yardage, and it marked the third time in the last 4 games James has gone over 100 yards.

The third-ranked Ducks and second-ranked Buckeyes will kick off from Autzen Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Bryce Lazenby

Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.