2 min read • October 11, 2023
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Two of the top three teams in the competitive Pac-12 conference are set to clash on Saturday at Husky Stadium. The matchup between No. 8 Oregon and No. 7 Washington promises to be one of the most intense games of the year. However, there are concerns about potential injuries impacting this fantastic matchup.
The Washington Huskies are renowned for their deep pool of talented wide receivers. However, one name has been conspicuously absent from the action for a significant portion of the season: Jalen McMillan.
Hailing from Fresno, California, this 6-foot-1, 192-pound junior has been sidelined for two and a half games due to a leg or knee injury. The void left by McMillan's absence was palpable, as he was forced to sit out the second half against Michigan State and whole games against California and Arizona. He’s expected to return against Oregon.
Yet, Jalen McMillan is one of many veterans on the mend. The coaching staff has hinted at the potential return of other veteran players grappling with injuries and missing recent games. Among these hopeful returns are senior safety Asa Turner, senior defensive tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa, and offensive guard Julius Buelow.
The Oregon Ducks have emerged as one of the nation's top teams, following in the footsteps of No. 1 Georgia, as the only team ranked in the top 10 nationally for scoring offense (51.6 points per game) and defense (allowing just 11.8 points per game). In these categories, they are positioned at No. 2 and No. 5, respectively, highlighting their exceptional balance. However, recent injuries on both sides of the ball may pose challenges for them in their upcoming clash against Washington.
Running back Noah Whittington has been reported to be out for the season after suffering a leg injury against Colorado. Whittington, a junior running back, had made a significant impact in the four games he played this season, amassing 146 rushing yards on just 20 carries, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry. He also made his presence felt in the passing game, contributing 10 receptions for 78 receiving yards while scoring two touchdowns.
The Oregon defense faced its share of setbacks recently. Two weeks ago, during the game against Stanford, starting cornerback Khyree Jackson was forced to exit before halftime due to a lower-body injury, while starting safety Bryan Addison did not play at all. Nevertheless, Oregon's coach, Dan Lanning, has expressed confidence that both Jackson and Addison will be ready to take the field in their upcoming matchup against Washington.
As the Ducks aim to maintain their impressive form, they will rely on their well-rounded approach to the game, though they may have to navigate some hurdles presented by injuries.
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