The Oregon Ducks have one big area of concern they need to answer against the Ohio State Buckeyes

College football fans are being treated to a tremendous game this weekend when the Ohio State Buckeyes travel out west to take on the Oregon Ducks . That could potentially be the most intriguing matchup all season, and will undoubtedly shake up the top ten teams after this weekend.

When you really break down this matchup, and compare the two teams positionally to the other, one of the more interesting battles will be between the Oregon pass catchers and the Ohio State secondary. There is a clear advantage for one side on paper, but how it shakes out could ultimately decide the football game.

Can Oregon create some explosive plays in the passing game? That is the major question.

Oregon wide receivers

Coming into the season, the Oregon wide receiver room was viewed as one of the best overall position groups in all of college football. Through five games this season, that group has severely underperformed. Tez Johnson has been the most productive, hauling in 43 receptions for 395 yards and five touchdowns. A player lauded for his speed, Johnson has been relegated to a short receiving option, averaging just 9.2 yards per reception.

Outside of Johnson, Traeshon Holden has been solid but unspectacular. He has made 19 catches for 274 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. The biggest disappointment of the group has been former Texas A&M standout Evan Stewart . He has managed just 16 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns, sitting as the fourth leading receiver on the team. He has been a huge disappointment thus far.

For Oregon to win this game, that group of pass catchers needs to be better and more impactful. They need to make some big plays against a very good Ohio State secondary.

Ohio State secondary

It’s tough to imagine that there is a better secondary in college football than what the Buckeyes are trotting out there every weekend. The cornerback position is especially deep, boasting potential top 100 players all across the board. Having Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun at outside cornerback is tremendous, as is Jordan Hancock in the slot.

They are not to be outdone by the safety duo of Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom. That pairing could also make a strong argument as the class of college football. There really isn’t a weak spot of this secondary, and the Oregon wide receivers will certainly be tested.