Blessed with excellent recovery speed, he sometimes takes false steps in his press coverage at the LOS. His speed allows him to recover with ease at this level, and he also doubles as one of the nation’s premier return specialists.

If Oregon QB Jeremiah Mosali decides to challenge Wilson tonight, the results could cast a cloud over the Ducks. Opposing quarterbacks last year combined to have an 8 TD to 22 Int ratio versus the Broncos. Don’t look for 2) Masoli to back down at all. He will come into the season on a high after shredding Arizona, Oregon St. and Oklahoma St. (Holiday Bowl) the final three games of 2008.

The Duck QB is like a fullback when he takes off to run. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry in 2008. With the threat of Masoli and RB 9) LaGarrette Blount in the backfield, Oregon may try to attack the Bronco front. Last year, the Ducks ran for an astounding 227 yards in their 37-32 loss to the Broncos.

This may be the game plan of first year offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Helfrich was actually the Broncos QB coach from 1998-2000. DE 98 Ryan Winterswyk 6’4” 260 JR Boise St.- Has the size necessary to handle the Ducks RT CE Kaiser 6’4” 290 JR.

Boise St. defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox may elect to match Winterswyk against the bigger of Oregon’s two tackles, LT 79 Mark Asper 6’7” 323 JR. This would allow him some flexibility in attacking the right side of Oregon’s offensive line with some stunts and pressure packages. We don’t feel like Wilcox can afford to play a lot of zone vs. the spread/stretch run scheme employed by Oregon.

Oregon also likes to run a lot of sprint draws, zone cutbacks with their RB in the offset position. This is accompanied by a run/pass option for Masoli. RG 69 William “Bo” Thran 6’5” 295 JR Oregon- Thran uses good technique in getting to the 2nd level (LBs, DBs). He is effective when uncovered in scan protection. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to hit a moving target. He has some experience at both left guard and right tackle. We will definitely keep a keen eye on his development in 2009.

Oregon defensive backs No. 2 TJ Ward and 6 Walter Thurmond will also be on display. Ward, replacing departed Rover Patrick Chung, packs a wallop in the run game (See Holiday Bowl-Zac Robinson). He also has outstanding ball skills. With the ability to high point errant throws with ease and blessed with terrific instincts, look for Ward to have a big year.

No. 6 Thurmond has a sleek build and also returns kicks. He’s very experienced (3-year starter) and has an outstanding feel for the game when in zone. He also does a good job of playing through receivers hands when in recovery position (See Oregon St. ’08). Has a tendency to squat on some routes and we question whether he has elite speed. Nevertheless, we feel Thurmond is a solid prospect with room to grow.