Sonoma State Dynasty- Season: 3 Episode: 2- #19 SSU @ #1 Oregon
Greetings fellow rabbitholer's (wow, that's a terrible nickname). It's been a minute, and I apologize for that, but season 3, episode 2 of the Sonoma State Dynasty is live on YouTube! As you may know, in this episode we take on the #1 ranked team in the country, the Oregon Ducks. I love these matchup's due to the necessity to be strategically sound and tuned. Without the same resources, how do we use ours like David to take down Goliath? I asked chatgpt to put together a little preview to help give some insight. I hope you guys enjoy the preview's and the video's!
VIDEO LINKS: Short episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiFyUin0g2o&t=241s Full-game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuIgb2v5mGQ
Seawolves vs. Goliath: No. 19 Sonoma State Prepares for Heavyweight Clash with No. 1 Oregon
By Rabbit Hole Sports & Media
EUGENE, Ore. — After a wild comeback win over Louisiana to open the season, the No. 19-ranked Sonoma State Seawolves head to Autzen Stadium this week to face their biggest test yet — a road showdown with top-ranked Oregon. The Ducks (1-0), national semifinalists each of the last two seasons, survived a 20-17 scare against Boise State last week and remain one of college football’s most complete rosters.
The Seawolves, meanwhile, are flying higher than anyone expected. Picked to finish near the bottom of the Pac-12, Sonoma enters the matchup 1-0 with serious buzz after reeling off 35 straight points to erase a 24-6 second-half deficit against Louisiana, winning 48-31. The win vaulted them from unranked to No. 19 — their highest FBS ranking ever — and showcased their explosive potential on both sides of the ball.
Sophomore running back Nolan Knight was the breakout star, racking up 198 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, plus 35 receiving yards on 4 catches. Quarterbacks Bryce Frost (16-25, 194 yards, 1 TD) and Jon Hill (8-12, 140 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD) both flashed command of the Coryell Spread offense, which piled up over 600 yards of total offense. Defensively, the Seawolves forced three interceptions and held Louisiana scoreless for nearly 25 minutes to close the game.
But Oregon is a different animal.
Led by redshirt junior quarterback Austin Novosad — a CFP semifinalist in 2024 — the Ducks run a precision spread attack that punishes defenses with timing, accuracy, and depth. Novosad doesn’t have a cannon for an arm, but he’s deadly accurate (27-39, 291 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT vs. Boise State) and mobile enough to keep defenses honest (7 rushes, 50 yards).
Running back Von Rasmussen struggled in the opener, managing just 25 yards on 13 carries in a performance that drew comparisons to LeGarrette Blount’s infamous struggles against Boise in 2008 and 2009. Still, Rasmussen has good burst and runs with surprising toughness for a 5’10” back, and Oregon's line — especially on the interior — will be a test for Sonoma’s 23 Defense.
Where the Ducks shine is at receiver. Jurrion Dickey is the headliner — an elite possession threat with elite acceleration, release, and hands — but the unit is stacked with complementary talent. Kyler Kasper and Manu DeCastro are dangerous after the catch, while slot receiver Zachary Card brings video-game speed and elite route running. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq adds another option underneath and in the seams.
The offensive line is strong across the board, with the lone vulnerability being freshman right tackle Manu Castellanos. Castellanos has tools, but he’s raw — something defensive coordinator Jeff Morriss may look to exploit with creative pressure from the 23 front.
“We’ve got to tighten up,” Morriss said this week. “We made plays against Louisiana, but we also gave up too many chunk gains and didn’t get off the field on a few key downs. Oregon will punish those mistakes. We’ve got to play fast, disciplined, and smart — the way we know we can.”
Defensively, Oregon runs a powerful 3-4 led by a dominant front. Matayo Uiagalelei, Xadavien Sims, and Terrance Green form a fearsome trio on the defensive line. Sims, especially, has elite instincts, and their edge rushers add consistent pressure off the edge. Linebacker Devon Jackson provides sideline-to-sideline speed, while the secondary is built around Ify Obidegwu — a lockdown corner with elite coverage traits who moonlights in the slot.
Where Sonoma can attack is at safety. Oregon’s starting duo of Kingston Lopa and Tyler Turner have athleticism and range but are inconsistent in coverage. Against Sonoma’s Coryell Spread — which uses the Slot Back and TE to manipulate defenders in space — that’s where the Seawolves will need to strike.
Look for Maverick Bentley and Tye Hardy to be key matchup pieces. The Seawolves will need a clean performance from both quarterbacks and another strong outing from Knight to keep the Ducks honest. If they can sustain drives and avoid turnovers, they might just give Oregon something to sweat.
Social Buzz:
@CBBuzzJoel: “Sonoma State has my attention. That offense is humming. If they push Oregon? Big-time statement.”
@GridironGems: “Knight is HIM. Oregon’s safeties better come to play or he’s gonna eat again.”
@DuckTrackerEugene: “Don’t sleep on this one. Ducks better clean up that run game. Sonoma is not Boise.”
@RabbitHoleWestin: “No. 1 vs No. 19. Best test yet for both sides. Let’s see what the Seawolves are really made of. #SonomaVsOregon #Pac12Power”
VIDEO LINKS: Short episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiFyUin0g2o&t=241s Full-game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuIgb2v5mGQ