Can Oregon football’s defense limit Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles’ dual-threat abilities?

EUGENE – The caliber of opposing quarterbacks continues to increase for Oregon as it takes on Michigan State and Aidan Chiles.

The Oregon State transfer is completing 56.3% of his passes for 1,058 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions and has three rushing scores for the Spartans this season.

The No. 6 Ducks (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have the No. 6 ranking in pass efficiency defense and No. 15 in passing yards, but have yet to face a passing attack as prolific as MSU’s. Chiles is also the most athletically gifted quarterback UO has faced to date, although he turns the ball over a lot this season.

“He’s a really talented player,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “One of the biggest things that stands out is the way he manages to keep plays alive and continue to make things happen with his legs. Their average target depth is well below the field; They take a lot of shots. They have some wide outs out there who have done a good job winning at the rim, and he throws a really good ball deep.”

RELATED: Scouting the Spartans: 5 Questions, Prediction with a Michigan State Reporter

Michigan State (3-2, 1-1) has 51 passes of at least 10 yards, including 17 of 20 yards, both the most passes among Oregon’s opponents so far this season.

No. 6 Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State (3-2, 1-1)

• When: Friday, October 4th
• Time: 6:00 p.m. PT
• Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
• TV channel: fox
• Electricity: You can watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you already have a provider, you can also watch this game live on Fox Sports Live using your cable or satellite provider login details.
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Although the Spartans have allowed 10 sacks, the Chileans’ ability to improvise, extend plays and avoid negative plays is better than any quarterback the Ducks have played this season.

“His legs are a weapon,” outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti said. “Up front we have to make sure we keep him in check and we play soundball.”

With the exception of a few runs by Oregon State’s Gevani McCoy, Oregon has done a good job of preventing quarterbacks from breaking free for long runs, whether by design or through scrambles.

Keeping Chiles in check will once again rely on an improved front seven while the secondary competes against a talented group of targets including Nick Marsh and tight end Jack Velling.

“I think he does a great job of beating receivers with aplomb, and even when his reads aren’t right, he’s able to get going, and he’s a really nimble quarterback as well,” linebacker Jeff said Bassa. “Sometimes they are a team that likes to move the pocket, so it can be little things like boot action. The straight dropback pass times are going to be really crucial for the D-line and the backs if we blitz, or if not, we have to keep him in the cage.”

— James Crepea covers that Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. Listen to this Ducks Confidential Podcast or subscribe Ducks Roundup Newsletter.