Oregon was a playoff contender until last Saturday largely because QB Bo Nix can dazzle defenses with his arm and feet. He might do nether against Utah, with the Ducks unclear on whether he will play. Waiting in the winds is redshirt freshman Ty Thompson, who has experience but never started. The Utes swept a pair of matchups last season by a lopsided 76-17 combined score. The Ducks have no doubt upgraded, primarily with Nix transferring in, but a gap could remain. The Ducks' defense has taken such a beating to require personnel changes.