Meet the x-factor who must play well for Ohio State to beat Oregon

The last time the Oregon Ducks faced the Ohio State Buckeyes, the home team was bashed in by the more physical visiting foe. Oregon ran all over the Buckeyes, and it was one of several losses that have led to philosophical changes across Ohio State's coaching staff. Entering this matchup in Autzen Stadium, the Ducks are tasked with the more difficult challenge.

The Buckeyes have an analytical edge entering the game, but plays must be made nonetheless. If Ohio State can't slow Oregon's quick passes and efficient deep attempts, the whole unit is at risk of allowing long drives. We saw that play out in the first half against Marshall.

Considering Oregon's tendencies and Dillon Gabriel's strengths, Ohio State's x-factor is slot cornerback Jordan Hancock.

Gabriel, as seasoned as any quarterback in the country, has specific strengths and weaknesses. Though he has a weak arm, he's been crafty as a deep thrower since his freshman season. He has the ability to throw high-arcing passes with enough distance to create big plays and keep defenses honest.

Oregon, with several tremendous speedsters, has produced eight completions of at least 20 yards on 17 attempts. Gabriel has totaled 299 yards and three touchdowns on those completions, and only one attempt was deemed turnover-worthy. Four of his best throws came down the deep middle of the field.

The middle of the field is Gabriel's best friend. His heat map shows his strengths as the short center, intermediate left and center, and deep center and left. The lefty passer is quite bad to all levels throwing right, so the Buckeyes should try to flush him to his weakside whenever possible.

Hancock, who gets removed from the field when offenses size up with two tight ends, will have his hands full. The stellar slot defender must balance a few different threats on Oregon, including speedy receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart and tight end Terrance Ferguson. Plus, it's easy to be lulled to sleep, considering Gabriel's strengths and penchant as a check-down merchant.

71 percent of Gabriel's passes have been behind the line of scrimmage up to nine yards away. He's attempted only 43 passes beyond that, but Oregon's playmakers make it impossible to simply sit on underneath concepts. It's a well-balanced attack when the run game is working.

I thought Hancock could potentially land in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with a good season, but he hasn't had the shutdown impact he showed last year. He's been far from bad, but allowing 10-of-14 targets for 90 yards with two pass breakups has room for improvement.

Winning on this stage can propel Hancock up significantly, and the Buckeyes will win if he's winning on an island. With four run stops and 12 tackles on the season, he can be trusted, even if defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' reliance on Sonny Styles is paying off.

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We can talk about the obvious stars all we want, but Hancock has the single most difficult task of anyone on the Buckeyes' defense on Saturday. Is he up for the challenge?