Oregon Ducks expected to get star playmaker back against Penn State after they strategically rested him against Oregon State
Oregon Ducks star running back Noah Whittington is expected to be ready to play against Penn State.
The Ducks played it safe in their rivalry matchup with Oregon State, holding out running back Noah Whittington rather than rushing him back from injury. It was a wise move by Dan Lanning and the staff, as Oregon came away with the win. This sets the stage for Whittington to return at full strength when the Ducks travel to Penn State in Week 5.
While Oregon’s committee of backs filled in admirably against the Beavers—true freshman Dierre Hill continued to flash, and Jayden Limar, Jordan Davison, and Makhi Hughes all contributed solid carries—there was no denying that something was missing. Without Whittington’s trademark burst and ability to hit a crease for explosive gains, the backfield leaned more on consistency than big-play threat.
The good news for Ducks fans is that Lanning said in his Monday night press conference that he expects Whittington to be available for Penn State. His return should be a significant boost as Oregon heads into one of the toughest tests of its season in Happy Valley.
