Five Oregon Players Michigan Fans Should Know Ahead Of Saturday's Matchup

Michigan faces a significant challenge Saturday as the Wolverines travel across the country to take on No. 18 Oregon. The Ducks enter the matchup with a 6-3 record and plenty of talent on both sides of the football.

With Jim Harding taking over as Michigan's offensive coordinator following the firing of Jason Beck, Oregon's defensive personnel is particularly concerning.

Here are five Oregon players Michigan fans should know heading into Saturday's matchup.

Former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola leads an Oregon passing attack that ranks 14th nationally, averaging 285.2 yards per game.

Through seven appearances, the junior has completed 121 of 185 passes (65.4%) for 1,354 yards, 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Raiola possesses exceptional arm talent and has plenty of dangerous weapons at his disposal. Michigan's defensive front will need to generate consistent pressure and prevent him from comfortably picking apart the secondary.

Sophomore wide receiver Dakorien Moore is arguably Oregon's most dangerous offensive weapon.

The former five-star prospect leads the Ducks with 48 receptions for 601 yards and seven touchdowns through nine games. He's averaging 12.5 yards per reception and 66.8 receiving yards per contest.

Moore's combination of speed, quickness and explosiveness makes him dangerous at every level of the field. Michigan's secondary cannot afford to give him much room to operate.

Senior edge defender Matayo Uiagalelei might represent Michigan's biggest individual matchup problem Saturday.

The talented pass rusher has recorded 36 total tackles, a team-leading 7.5 sacks and an interception through nine games.

Uiagalelei possesses NFL-caliber length, power and athleticism, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. Given Michigan's well-documented struggles along the offensive line, keeping Uiagalelei away from freshman quarterback Tommy Carr will be a monumental challenge.

Unfortunately for Michigan, Uiagalelei isn't Oregon's only dangerous pass rusher.

Senior Teitum Tuioti has recorded 44 total tackles and 5.5 sacks this season, giving the Ducks another disruptive presence off the edge.

Together, Uiagalelei and Tuioti have accounted for 13 of Oregon's 21 sacks. Michigan cannot simply devote extra attention to one without potentially exposing itself to the other. Harding will need to get creative with his protection schemes.

Junior defensive back Koi Perich has established himself as one of Oregon's most productive defensive players after beginning his career at Minnesota.

Through nine games, Perich leads the Ducks with 58 total tackles, including 33 solo stops, and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.

His athleticism, instincts and versatility allow him to impact both the running and passing games. Carr will need to know where Perich is lined up on virtually every snap, particularly when attempting to attack the middle of the field.