Oregon Ducks Defensive Keys to the Game vs. No. 3 Washington Huskies

The Ducks will go toe-to-toe with one of the best offenses in college football for the second time this season.

The No. 5 Oregon Ducks head to Las Vegas for a matchup with the No. 3 Washington Huskies on Friday.

Bragging rights in a heated rivalry game, a spot in the playoff and so much more are on the line.

Oregon's defense containing Washington's offense is going to be one of the biggest things to watch come kickoff, so let's take a look at the defensive keys to the game for the Ducks.

1. Get pressure on Michael Penix jr.

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Penix is a pocket passer and gets better throughout the game if he gets into a rhythm. The one and only way to disrupt a quarterback like Penix is to make him move in the pocket and disrupt the timing of his throws.

Brandon Dorlus and Jordan Burch will be tasked with creating pressure on Washington's quarterback. The defensive ends need to get sacks on key downs and just overall be in Penix's face so that he won't have time to pick apart the secondary.

2. Slow down Dillon Johnson

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

If Dillon Johnson is allowed to have another 100-yard rushing performance against this Oregon defense, it will be disastrous for the secondary. The last thing this defense needs to do is stack the box against Washington's elite passing offense.

When Johnson averages five to six yards per carry on first downs, it opens up the passing game for Penix. Slowing down Johnson will be key to creating third and long opportunities, and that's where Brandon Dorlus and Jordan Burch will be their best at creating pressure on Penix.

3. Win 50/50 balls

Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

With the status of Jahlil Florence still up in the air, Dontae Manning and Kyhree Jackson could have their hands full with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk. Those two receivers combined for 246 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Oregon's defense in October.

They'll go for big gains and yardage, but the key to winning this defensive matchup will be winning the 50/50 balls. If Manning can make more plays like he did against Oregon State and come away with pass breakups or interceptions, this Oregon defense will weather the storm of Washington's passing attack.

And the 50/50 balls in the red zone will determine the outcome of this game. That's where Penix thrives, throwing fades to Odunze in the back of the end zone. If the Ducks can come away with interceptions or limit red zone opportunities to field goals, Oregon will win this game.

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