Michigan State Opponent Preview: Oregon’s defense

Through four games, Dan Lanning’s Ducks rank 37th in scoring defense (18.8 points allowed per game) and 16th in total defense (266.8 yards per game).

Lanning’s defensive coordinator is Tosh Lupoi, who spent time in his Alabama and NFL coaching career with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Lupoi has always been a good recruiter, bringing elite talent to Eugene to play for the Ducks. Oregon is ranked No. 4 overall in the 2024 recruiting class and No. 8 in the 2025 class.

Lupoi has also always been an aggressive coach, and Michigan State should expect plenty of speedy defenders and constant offense.

The Ducks’ leading tackler is defenseman Bryce Boettcher, a Eugene senior who has 28 tackles on the year. Boettcher also played baseball for the Ducks and was selected by the Houston Astros in the MLB draft.

Oregon also has tough-to-beat defensive backs in Kobe Savage and Tysheem Johnson. Four Ducks recorded steals: Boettcher, Johnson, Nikko Reed and Brandon Johnson.

Aidan Chiles has struggled with turnovers this season, so he needs to be careful with all aspects of the Oregon Ball-hawks defense.

Michigan State will also see a familiar face in this game. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who unexpectedly transferred from the Spartans to the Ducks in the offseason, will try to beat his former team.

Harmon is the Ducks’ second-leading tackler and has had two sacks this year. Michigan State will want to push him away and allow running backs to have running lanes.

While the numbers may not be eye-catching, the Ducks defense has some talented players that Michigan State needs to be aware of. This match will not be easy for the team that struggled with attacking problems.

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